The Kansas City Chiefs followed their seven picks last month NFL Draft By aggressively signing a seemingly solid group of unoccupied free agents.
In the week between recruiting and rookie mini-camp this past weekend in Kansas City, the guaranteed paycheck of some unoccupied trades was leaked. The Chiefs guarantee over $200,000 for at least two players. Let’s take a look at where the Chiefs spent the money after the draft — and how these players can push down Kansas City’s 2022 roster.
rusher pass
The Chiefs put out defensive ends running back Joshua Kaindoh and Malik Herring by selecting BJ Thomson from Stephen F. Austin in the fifth round of the draft. Although both have been on the roster throughout 2022, neither seems to be making a case for staying in Kansas City.
Kaindoh—a former fourth-round draft pick with only three career starts—had his last game on October 3, 2021, when he left a Week 4 victory over Philadelphia Eagles with an ankle injury.
Herring appeared in seven games for the Chiefs last season after spending 2021 recovering from a torn ACL. Its use coincided with an injury to third-year player Mike Dana—and Herring was scratched in every game after Week 9.
After selecting Thompson, the Chiefs put on Beyond that Press the players back Truman Jones signed from Harvard University after the draft.
Harvard daredevil Truman Jones got $236,000 guaranteed from # heads Get a free proxy deal, per source. Solid deal for an Ivy League feature
– Jeremy Fowler (JFowlerESPN) April 30, 2023
After reports of him hosting Jones in the Top 30, it appears the Chiefs have signed him to the most lucrative undrafted free agent contract in team history. While the Ivy League to the NFL is quite a leap, expect Jones to push Kaindoh, Herring, and maybe even Thompson in training camp and the preseason.
full back
For only his second time leading the team, Chiefs general manager Brett Veitch did not use a second-day draft pick at the linebacker. Within hours of wrapping up the seventh round, North Carolina State’s Cam Jones and Isaiah Moore joined the Indiana Chiefs. Dean Bruegler the athlete They are listed among his top 300 job opportunities.
Jones too They received a large salary guarantee.
Four players — Nick Bolton, Willie Guy Jr., Leo Chenall and Drew Tranquil — appear to be roster locks. Jones and Moore must compete with Jack Cochrane – an undrafted signing a year ago – to be the team’s fifth (and likely last) linebacker.
Cochrane was cut at the end of camp last season and joined the practice squad. Promoted in Week 3 – Jay begins a four-week suspension. Cochrane appeared on special teams in 15 games and the entire postseason – with no defensive snaps recorded.
Without a substantial defensive improvement in his second camp at St. Joseph’s, Cochran could lose the special team role to a newcomer.
Defensive back
The Chiefs continue to find ways to make the secondary more competitive. After using the third day picks on Virginia Tech Safety Chamari Konner and Ball State football linebacker Nick Jones, the Chiefs have added seven undrafted defensive backs — though two have since been waived.
New cornerbacks include Western Kentucky’s Kahlef Hailassie – who has hosted the team in the top 30 hits. In addition, the bosses modest salary To Reese Taylor of Purdue University.
The pressure is on Nazih Johnson – seventh in 2022 – to step up in his second campaign. Johnson didn’t make the team as a starter in 2022 – but he did take a special part in the squad after being promoted at the end of September.
Using the 250th pick to take Jones — the camp’s rising junior star — barely shielded him from fighting to stay on the roster. The Chiefs have probably agreed with most of the unoccupied free agents before their final choice. Jones’ draft status could simply mean that the Chiefs wanted him at camp and weren’t confident about reaching an off-contract deal with him.
Taylor’s experience as a kickoff returner and starting shortstop could add a new wrinkle to the battle over the last defensive back slots.
offensive line
Among the incredibly successful recruiting class, Chiefs 2022 fifth-round draft pick Darian Kennard has been underwhelming as a rookie. Although he was immediately pitched as a contender starting right tackle, Kennard frequently lined up with the deep reserves in training camp.
Kennard dressed just three games as a rookie – only seeing six special teams. Veach recently acknowledged that the Kentucky product may be better suited as a guard, though the position may be no less competitive.
Tennessee offensive lineman Jerome Carvin said the Titans, Chiefs, and Bills have shown the most interest among many teams.
Carvin has value as a late pick due to his versatility.
He has started at both points guard and center. Also, a very smart player.
– Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) March 30, 2023
The Chiefs added former Tennessee guard Jerome Carvin after the draft. Former Chiefs junior college teammate Trey Smith and third-round pick Wanya Morris brings experience playing both guard positions — as well as center.
Kennard’s athletic pedigree, which made him a two-time All-SEC selection, should give him an edge over the newcomer. However, don’t be surprised if Carvin’s prowess allows him to hit the roster.
Other notables
Presidents reportedly Guaranteed $231,000 For Tulsa running back Denrick Prince. Find out what the competition will look like on your background shots without blurring Injuries to starter Isiah Pacheco difficult.
Wide receiver Nikko Remigio brings extensive experience returning both kickoffs and punts, giving Kansas City another option to throw off their offensive weapons.
bottom line
Eye-catching financial guarantees often make non-priority free agents appear destined for the final roster.
Evan Brennan, NFLPA Licensed Agent UA Sportsrecently explained the reason for the large base salary guarantees Not necessarily as important as perceived. The amount is normally compensated by any The salary players earn in the league – whether it’s on a 53-man roster or coaching squad.
People see UDFA Mega Safeguards as being like… “Wow!”
The truth is, the signing bonus is really the only thing players actually see. Teams are likely to have grades of 5-6 in these types and are very likely to make Team/PS and count these salaries against collateral.
– Evan Brennan (EvanTheAgent) May 5, 2023
It is very likely that these players are at least in Somebody Training squad, reduce financial risk in reduced.
The relentless pursuit of top non-release talent is an investment in a competitive boot camp. The Chiefs appear to have targeted upper-class options to push down last season’s roster to show growth – or risk losing their spot on the team.