In addition to their cuts of Josh Gordon and Danny Shelton, the Chiefs jettisoned a few vested veterans and a host of rookie-contract players. Here is how the defending AFC West champs moved their roster to 53:
Released:
- LB Jermaine Carter
- WR Corey Coleman
- WR Daurice Fountain
- LB Elijah Lee
- C Austin Reiter
- DT Taylor Stallworth
Waived:
- S Zayne Anderson
- CB Dicaprio Bootle
- G Mike Caliendo
- LB Jack Cochrane
- DT Matt Dickerson
- RB Jerrion Ealy
- TE Jordan Franks
- T Vitaliy Gurman
- S Nazeeh Johnson
- DE Azur Kamara
- S Devon Key
- DE Kehinde Oginni
- WR Cornell Powell
Waived/injured:
- TE Matt Bushman
Carter came to Kansas City after starting all 17 Carolina games last season. The four-year Panther contributor signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $1.77MM deal, but was unlikely to have the same role he enjoyed in Charlotte. The Chiefs roster second-round linebackers Nick Bolton and Willie Gay, and they used a third-round pick on Leo Chenal at the position this year.
The starter for the Super Bowl-winning 2019 Chiefs team, Reiter returned after spending 2021 with the Saints and Dolphins. Things have changed at the center spot since Reiter was last in Missouri; the Chiefs have Creed Humphrey in place for what could be a long run as their starter. Reiter was with the Chiefs from 2018-20.
A former first-round pick, Coleman appears to be running out of time. The ex-Baylor standout has not played in a regular-season game since the 2018 season. Prior to signing with the Chiefs, Coleman was out of football for nearly 18 months.