The Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in five years last season and could repeat in 2024. While Kansas City is in an excellent position, it still has to answer some critical roster questions. With that in mind, here are three important decisions the Chiefs must make before the start of the regular season.
Should they keep or cut wide receiver Kadarius Toney?
This offseason, Kansas City signed free-agent WR Marquise Brown (one year, $7M) and drafted Texas' Xavier Worthy (pick No. 28) to possibly replace Toney. The former first-rounder was underwhelming last season, recording five drops and one touchdown catch on 38 targets in 13 games.
Unsurprisingly, the Chiefs didn't activate Toney's fifth-year option. If KC releases him, it would incur no dead cap and save $2.53M. However, head coach Andy Reid wants to give Toney one more chance.
Per The Athletic's Nate Taylor, the 25-year-old is splitting reps at running back and wideout to serve as a hybrid skill-positon player. He also threw a TD pass to Worthy on a trick play during Monday's practice.
Toney must continue to showcase his versatility. Otherwise, it makes sense for the Chiefs to move on.
Who should start at left tackle?
Protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blindside is paramount for the Chiefs, and it remains unclear whether they have someone who can do that.
According to Pro Football Focus, LT Wanya Morris allowed 24 total pressures in 14 games during his rookie season. The Chiefs brought in competition in the draft, selecting BYU's Kingsley Suamataia (pick No. 63).
Taylor reported that Suamataia is already practicing with the first-team offense. Thus far, he has produced mixed results, but Reid thinks the 21-year-old is on the right track.
"I thought he did a nice job, from what I saw," Reid said of Suamataia via Taylor. "He's working through some things and learning. As long as he keeps working, he'll be fine."
Who will help them replace cornerback L'Jarius Sneed?
In March, the Chiefs traded Sneed — who allowed zero receiving TDs in 16 games last season, per PFF — to the Tennessee Titans.
2023 first-team All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie is expected to enter Sneed's role. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo recently told the media Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Nazeeh Johnson are competing for CB2. Williams is determined to win the job.
"I'm approaching it like I want it," Williams told reporters. "I'm sure they do, too. They're great athletes, they're great competitors, they're all professionals. I'm sure we're all attacking it the same way, but 100%, I want it. I'm going to do everything I need to do to step in there and continue to compete."
If none of the CBs are quality starters, the Chiefs should consider signing a free agent, perhaps 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.
