Chiefs rumors: 3 veterans who could be cut after 2023 NFL Draft
Danny Shelton #71 of the New England Patriots walks off the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans during week two of the preseason at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Patriots defeated the Titans 22-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
These three Chiefs players could be on the cutting block after the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t draft as well as the Eagles did this year, but then again, no one did. The franchise still made savvy selections to shore up key positions, and the influx of young blood could mean some cuts are coming.
That’s bad news for the veterans on the team and anyone not named Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce.
Some vets, like long snapper James Winchester and backup QB Shane Buechele, teetered on the potential cut list but ultimately get a pass for being beloved by the franchise.
Given how young the Chiefs’ backfield currently is, we’re leaving the vets there alone, too. Had Kansas City spent a top pick on a safety, someone like Deon Bush might start packing his bags, but it seems like the team could use more experience than talent at the position right now.
So….whose jobs are in jeopardy?
Here are three Chiefs veterans in danger of being released after the 2023 NFL Draft.
Chiefs rumors: Cut Danny Shelton — wait, who?
Starting on the backend of the depth chart, are we?
Veteran defensive tackle Danny Shelton was one of a dozen of players signed by the Chiefs to future contracts, which means he will be on the team’s 90-man offseason roster.
Past the offseason, however, a new Chiefs rookie can give Shelton a run for his money: sixth-rounder Keondre Coburn.
Shelton has bounced around a handful of teams (Browns, Patriots, Lions) and hasn’t achieved very much in his seven total NFL seasons. He’s been picked up, dropped, and then picked up again, and the main thing he has going for him is his size.
The 6-foot-2, 345-pound beast just eats up space on the defensive line and offensive lineman naturally gravitate toward him, allowing pass-rushers to attack the gaps. One can easily see how Shelton can work well with Pro Bowler Chris Jones next season, as the mere presence of Shelton would ward off any double-team coverages on Jones.
But Texas product Keondre Coburn also boasts size, and he could go pound for pound with Shelton and possibly win a starting roster spot by the start of the season.
Shelton may be a new signing for Kansas City, but don’t call him a Chief just yet.
