KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs made their initial moves on the 53-player roster. Here are five impressions from the list.
1. Chiefs waive Breeland Speaks
The first pick of Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was waived on Saturday. Speaks joined the team as a second-round draft pick in 2018. The defensive lineman struggled to find consistent playing time with his only snaps coming during the 2018 season with 492. He suffered a sprained MCL and meniscus injury during his 2019 preseason campaign that sidelined him for the season.
2. College free agents
Missouri offensive linemen Yasir Durant and Missouri S&T defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton both made the Chiefs initial roster. The impressive part is that both players did not get the opportunity of preseason games to show portions of their game against other NFL teams. Both players showing the coaching staff and front office enough to make the roster with reduced reps in OTAs, training camp and preseason speaks volumes.
3. Three running backs and four tight ends
The numbers game can always be tough. The Chiefs traditionally keep four running backs on their active roster. This team the team elected to keep an additional tight end instead.
4. Only two quarterbacks
This move makes sense. The team can carry multiple quarterbacks on their practice squad. The recently released Matt Moore can spend the season on the practice squad as one of their six veterans. Jordan Ta’amu can be a developmental player on their practice squad as well. The third quarterback option was likely given up for an additional player at tight end or offensive line.
5. Roster turnover
The reigning Super Bowl champions will have 15 new players on their 53-player roster that includes: Tight ends Ricky Seals-Jones and Nick Keizer, offensive linemen Yasir Durant, Daniel Kilgore, Kelechi Osemele, Mike Remmers, defensive linemen Taco Carlton, Mike Danna, Tershawn Wharton, linebacker Willie Gay, defensive backs Antonio Hamilton, BoPete Keyes, L’Jarius Sneed, Tedric Thompson and punter Tommy Townsend.
Players waived by the Chiefs must clear waivers before they can be signed to the practice squad on Sunday after 12:00 pm.
