Ahead of their pursuit of the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat, the Chiefs have had some tough roster decisions to make.
Every NFL team is required to cut their roster down to just 53 players by 4pm ET on Tuesday.
With this in mind, among other cuts, the Chiefs have let go of two potential weapons for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney and versatile former Welsh international rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit have both reportedly been cut.
For Toney, this means his two-year stint with the Chiefs has ended.
Since being traded to Kansas City from the New York Giants during the 2022 season, Toney has made 20 appearances for the Chiefs.
A highlight from Toney’s time in Kansas City came during their Super Bowl LVII win against the Philadelphia Eagles when he scored a five-yard touchdown to give the Chiefs the lead in the fourth quarter.
Toney was inactive during their most recent Super Bowl triumph against the San Francisco 49ers.
A first-round draft pick in 2021, Toney struggled with drops last season, finishing the year with 169 yards and a touchdown in 13 games.
This preseason, Toney managed just three receptions for 22 yards while also returning two punts for 23 yards.
As for Rees-Zammit, he’ll likely be a strong candidate for the practice squad – especially given the extra spot permitted for international players.
In his first NFL preseason, Rees-Zammit was tested at running back, wideout, and as a special teamer.
Given his lack of football experience before 2024, the Welshman would likely benefit greatly from a year on the practice squad.
Rees-Zammit totaled 63 yards on two kick returns, six rushed for 22 yards, and one reception for three yards.
Other big-name players to have been cut by Kansas City ahead of Tuesday’s deadline have included quarterback Ian Book and cornerback Kelvin Joseph, as per local ABC affiliate KMBC News.
In another unexpected move, the Chiefs also acquired a very familiar name on Monday.
After his release by the New England Patriots, wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster re-joined Kansas City where he spent the 2022 season.
Discussing his decision to return, Smith-Schuster explained that he felt this was the best home for him given his familiarity with the offense, as well as with head coach Andy Reid and, of course, Mahomes.
Smith-Schuster later admitted that leaving in 2023 was “a tough decision,” adding that “a place like this is very special.”
Now back at Arrowhead Stadium, Smith-Schuster and Co. will be back in action on September 5 when they host the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener.
