4 Chiefs on the Chopping Block Next After Marquez Valdes-Scantling Release

[DenverChief]

1. Justin Reid, S
If the Chiefs want to free up a ton of cash, moving on from Justin Reid is one of the quickest ways to do so.

The 27-year-old safety is entering the final year of a three-year, $31.5 million contract he signed back in 2022. He's slated to carry a $14.2 million cap hit for the 2024 NFL season, however, Kansas City can save itself $10.7 million by waiving or cutting him at any point this offseason.

A former 2018 third-round pick by the Houston Texans, Reid hasn't lived up to expectations since joining the Chiefs. Playing 33 games over the last two seasons, the Prairieville, LA native has surrendered 76 receptions on 120 targets (63.3%) for 771 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Reid struggled to cover his men throughout the 2023 campaign, highlighted by a 52.8 coverage grade on Pro Football Focus — the 12th-worst grade among 94 qualified safeties. He was also the Chiefs' fifth-worst graded defender at the Super Bowl (54.2) after allowing four receptions on as many targets for 38 yards.

The ex-Stanford Cardinal does have his solid moments now and then, but it's clear that he isn't close to being worth the $14 million cap space he takes up.


2. Kadarius Toney, WR
When the Chiefs acquired WR Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants in 2022, there was a hope that he could turn his career around in KC. After all, the former Florida Gator once had a 189-yard performance as a rookie, leaving the fanbase salivating at the thought of what he could do with Patrick Mahomes.

But instead of living up to his potential, Toney has left Chiefs fans wanting more. The 25-year-old was essentially a non-factor for the majority of the 2023 campaign, hauling in only 27 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown across 13 games. He also yielded a 66.7 passer rating when targeted, meaning he essentially turned Mahomes into Bailey Zappe (68.8) whenever the former NFL MVP looked his way.
Injuries held Toney out of the Chiefs' final three regular-season games and the first three of the preseason before being a healthy scratch at the Super Bowl. The fact that Kansas City didn't see him as someone who could help win the second of back-to-back rings tells you everything you must know about his future.
Toney carries a $2.5 million cap hit heading into his fourth NFL campaign. Considering how the Chiefs picking up his fifth-year option is far from guaranteed, there's a decent chance the team could attempt to move on soon. Although waiving him won't save a dime, Kansas City can rid itself of his entire cap hit with a trade at any point.

3. Lucas Niang, OT
It also wouldn't be surprising if the Chiefs opted to move on from offensive tackle Lucas Niang to generate more cap space.

Niang, drafted 96th overall in 2020, hasn't lived up to his potential. After being named the starting right tackle in 2021, the 25-year-old blocker hasn't started a single game across the last two seasons, playing 21 games during that stretch. The lack of starts isn't surprising given how much he's struggled on the gridiron.

Niang struggled to provide adequate protection in 2023, finishing with 48.4 run-block and 56.5 pass-block grades on PFF. Although he only played 36 pass-block snaps, he still surrendered four pressures, meaning he essentially allowed some form of pressure on one of every nine snaps, which isn't a trend you want to see when your team has the best quarterback on the planet.
The Chiefs can save $1.1 million by trading or cutting Niang this offseason. While that isn't a ton of space, every penny counts with Kansas City looking to win a third Super Bowl in a row next year. Besides, chances are the Chiefs can find a better alternative for Niang through the 2024 NFL Draft.


4. Charles Omenihu, DE
After spending the start of his career with the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers, veteran defensive end Charles Omenihu signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Chiefs last offseason.

After serving a six-game suspension to begin the 2023 season, it didn't take Omenihu long to contribute to the Chiefs' success. The former Texas Longhorn tallied career highs in both sacks (7.0) and solo tackles (18) while forcing a pair of fumbles and breaking up two passes in 11 regular-season games with one start.

Unfortunately, Omenihu couldn't be with the Chiefs when they took on the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old veteran tore his ACL in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, forcing him to watch the Super Bowl from the sidelines. Considering it can take up to eight months or longer to rehab from ACL surgery, there's a chance that he could miss a good chunk of the 2024 campaign.
If the Chiefs are unsure about when Omenihu will be 100%, they could opt to send him packing in favor of more cap space. After all, the franchise can free up $7.2 million with a release or trade before or after June 1, which can then be used to either sign multiple free agents or put towards re-signing a big name, like Chris Jones.

https://kckingdom.com/posts/4-chiefs...01hqrede7421/4


So the real reason am posting this is the surprise that Reid is on this list. I didn’t think his play was as terribad as the article suggests. Did I miss something this year with his play? As far as the rest of the list goes… I agree.

[DenverChief]

Originally Posted by penguinz

Stupid article.

1. Reid has a much greater chance of being extended vs cut.

2. No team is trading for Kadarius

4. Omenihutt isn't going anywhere. Especially if Jones leaves.

That’s another one I’m trying to wrap my brain around. He isn’t projected to return until week 8 if everything goes well. He would be getting paid handsomely to have only played in 25 of 39 games (assuming we go to the SB next year 22/36 w/o Playoffs).

[notorious]

What the **** is Reid doing on there?

[penguinz]

Originally Posted by DenverChief

That’s another one I’m trying to wrap my brain around. He isn’t projected to return until week 8 if everything goes well. He would be getting paid handsomely to have only played in 25 of 39 games (assuming we go to the SB next year 22/36 w/o Playoffs).

None of his 24 salary is guaranteed and some of the money is gameday roster bonuses. Really won't be that big a hit.

[DenverChief]

Originally Posted by penguinz

None of his 24 salary is guaranteed and some of the money is gameday roster bonuses. Really won't be that big a hit.

Ah. That is good to know. Thank you for that piece of information. That definitely makes holding on to him easier and hopefully with a full recovery extending him.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by penguinz

No one is trading even a bag of used toilet paper for him.

Do you think the massive amounts of suck he possess is only known in KC?

If this was the first team he was on it might be different. Getting traded twice for being an uncoachable flaming bag of dogshit. won't happen.

I disagree but I suppose time will tell.

He looked promising for us in 2022 and made key plays on the biggest stage before regressing badly in 2023. I think some talent-starved team would be willing to give him a chance.

[O.city]

They can cut Omenihu and save $. He wants paid alot, isn't gonna do an extension here at this point so just cut him and let him move on.

[penguinz]

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

I disagree but I suppose time will tell.

He looked promising for us in 2022 and made key plays on the biggest stage before regressing badly in 2023. I think some talent-starved team would be willing to give him a chance.

No one is trading for that.

Especially when you add the off the field crap on social media.

[Wallcrawler]

Originally Posted by TwistedChief

So should we start a thread if someone on Twitter says something too that doesn’t seem grounded in logic?

It could be entertaining, simply for the screech and squee that it's sure to elicit from you.

No one thinks he’s going to be cut. Obviously. That’s why when you read it you ignore it and never read that stupid website again.

If people really took that approach, there already would've been a mass exodus here after reading your bullshit. Especially when you're spit shining your thread police badge lmao.

Its almost like you don't want the message board to do what a message board is supposed to do, which is generate as much discussion as possible.

You just get your panties twisted, and engage in commentary about how this thread wasn't needed, because you weren't interested in it yet were still compelled to enter, and post in it.

We get it. You're cool. You're "above" these sort of topics.

Just scroll past, pimp.

[Mike in SW-MO]

Originally Posted by notorious

What the **** is Reid doing on there?

Last year of multi-year contract with higher price tag in last year.

Pretty typical that no one involved expects them to play last year of the contract for full cap hit.

Like others have said, extension is more likely than cut. But if he won't sign a reasonable extension I would not be shocked if he is allowed to walk. Positional value not value of the player's contribution is the reason.

[DenverChief]

Originally Posted by kccrow

Good points in the article, I'm not going to bang on it.

I think they are being fair about the cost of Reid versus the talent but I think there is some credit in quality leadership and ability to keep the secondary in proper alignments and assignments. He does those things. I think there would be value in trading him if they truly did want to chop some money out there but I really don't think they will get rid of him.

I am on the Toney is a goner bandwagon. Punching your ticket into Reid's doghouse is never a great thing to do but he managed it. I'm sure they'll dangle him out there for a late conditional just to ensure his salary comes off the books though.

Niang is not the type of player you cut. He's on a rookie deal, he's been good enough as a depth piece so far in his career, he plays a valuable position, he hasn't caused strife, and you gain nothing by letting him go.

I think I've stated that I think Omenihu is easy. You offer the guy an extension with the caveat that he lowers his 2024 hit substantially, if not to vet minimum, so that he can rehab and maybe be of some value sometime in November through the playoffs otherwise you cut him and get someone that will be of value through the season. I wouldn't be sentimental over him. Sure, he played well, but business is business.

Excellent post sir. I wholeheartedly agree about Reid - he just seems to have the leadership and alignment stuff down for the secondary guys. I have never really looked at coverage stats for safeties before so I was a bit shocked but as a Safety I think coverage #'s get a pass because they aren't supposed to be locked 1 on 1 with guys all the time, its a part of their job, but not their whole job - if he were a CB this would be another discussion.

[TwistedChief]

Originally Posted by Wallcrawler

It’s almost like you don't want the message board to do what a message board is supposed to do, which is generate as much discussion as possible.

Perhaps I was a bit unnecessarily harsh toward him and for that I apologize.

But you’re the last one who should be commenting on the matter after this gem:

https://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=352398

We definitely need more discussion like that!

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by scho63

I don't think they can cut Omenihu while he is injured and on IR.

Probably not. And it sucks that he may miss a significant portion of the season, one would assume that he should be back in time for a playoff run.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by TwistedChief

So should we start a thread if someone on Twitter says something too that doesn’t seem grounded in logic?

No one thinks he’s going to be cut. Obviously. That’s why when you read it you ignore it and never read that stupid website again.

There's a lot of truth to this. I have noticed some of these on social media lately and yeah, I do exactly what you said.

But in fairness, I think DC is correct that it is at least worth a bit of discussion.

IMO, I think Reid has played decently the last couple of years. My eyes are saying something completely different than what this article is saying.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by DenverChief

Excellent post sir. I wholeheartedly agree about Reid - he just seems to have the leadership and alignment stuff down for the secondary guys. I have never really looked at coverage stats for safeties before so I was a bit shocked but as a Safety I think coverage #'s get a pass because they aren't supposed to be locked 1 on 1 with guys all the time, its a part of their job, but not their whole job - if he were a CB this would be another discussion.

True. And it also doesn't give him credit for what he did in the running game. I specifically remember him making some big plays in the Ravens game.

[Titty Meat]

Anyone remember a poster on here "Mic Jones"? He would write terrible articles like this