Every year around this time, NFL teams are stacking their rosters with players. Between the first waves of free agency, the draft, undrafted free agency and then a late wave of free agency, teams can fill up the 90-man limit quickly before training camp. And then at the end of preseason, they have to cut down to a 53-man roster with a 16-man practice squad.
Shaping the roster to their liking, the Chiefs have done a good job maintaining their contender status and started to establish a dynasty. To keep that going, they need to make tough decisions.
Here are some options for the Chiefs when they inevitably need to trim down their roster.
6 Chiefs who could be cut this offseason
WR Rashee Rice
Despite being their best wide receiver this past season, Rice found himself in some hot water this offseason. His legal woes stemming from two off-field incidents should get him suspended and might even be enough to warrant him being cut. There's also a previously unreported incident from his days at SMU. The fact that teams knew about this before taking him in the second round and he still proved himself to be trouble says a lot. It may be time for him to find the help he needs elsewhere.
WR Kadarius Toney
This one may come as a bit of a surprise, especially if Rice were to also get cut. Given the need for receivers, why would they cut yet another one? Because Toney, too, is a head case. He is as talented as he is goofy. For all the boneheaded things he says and does, he has flashes of brilliance. However, when the pain in the butt outweighs the production, an exit could be necessary.
P Matt Araiza/Ryan Rehkow
When it comes down to it, roster spots are a number game. Teams need so many starters and backups for certain positions, others are left with just one. Punter is one of those positions. Araiza is getting a shot after being cleared of criminal charges. Rehkow is a rookie who went undrafted but has a brother in the league as a kicker. May the best foot win.
QB Ian Book
The Chiefs have always kept a solid vet around as a backup. Typically, they've been more statuesque. Book is about 6-foot. Not the type of guy that fits the profile. Although he's 26, he doesn't have the experience the other backups have had for the Chiefs. They've also had previous starter experience. That makes Carson Wentz safe. Chris Oladokun is a practice squad candidate.
DT Mike Pennel Jr
Large defensive tackles are a commodity. They're more valuable if they can help you stop the run. When they are no longer seen as helpful or productive, they too have to go. In Pennel Jr's case, he's simply an older guy whose production can be replaced by a younger guy, or even a better version of what he has left to offer. Either way, he's expendable.
Again, this is another way too early look at potential roster cuts. Once the team makes it to camp, and plays a preseason game or two in preseason, the cutting lines will be much clearer. Don't forget: Teams will be looking to add guys other teams get rid of as well. This is why there is no such thing as a true "offseason" in the NFL.