Here’s a way-too-early Chiefs 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs project to keep three quarterbacks: Mahomes, Fields and Garrett Nussmeier.
- Offense projects nine offensive linemen; Moore, Pole and Benson vie at RT.
- Defensive backroom projects ten players with Mansoor Delane a likely starter.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks and rookies are set to report to Missouri Western State University for training camp on Friday, July 24, with veterans arriving ahead of the first full-team practice on Wednesday, July 29.
That’s when the team’s decision-makers will begin making tough calls on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster for the NFL’s 2026 season.
This offseason, the Chiefs opened the doors to five practices, including two voluntary sessions and all three days of mandatory minicamp.
After those looks, here is The Star’s initial projection for the Chiefs’ eventual Week 1 roster:
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (3): Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier The last time the Chiefs kept three quarterbacks on the initial roster was 2022 — but they are likely to do so in 2026 after selecting former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round. Justin Fields should be the backup this season, but Kansas City’s hope is that Nussmeier develops into a cost-effective option for 2027 and beyond.
Running backs (4): Kenneth Walker, Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, Brashard Smith
The Chiefs reshaped their running backs room in free agency with the signings of Kenneth Walker and Emari Demercado. After taking Brashard Smith in last year’s seventh round, they followed up by selecting former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson in the fifth round this year. In this season’s reloaded lineup, Smith’s touches should predominantly come from orchestrated looks and kick returns.
Wide receiver (6): Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen, Nikko Remigio
Given the capital spent on the first five players in this room, the only spot in question headed into training camp seems to be the sixth role, currently projected here for Nikko Remigio. He has the luxury of being special teams coordinator Dave Toub’s favorite option at returner.
But if another returner emerges, offseason program standout Andrew Armstrong could work his way into the conversation. Cyrus Allen’s college teammate, Jeff Caldwell, is another prospect to watch.
Tight ends (3): Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley
Over the years, Andy Reid has gone back and forth between keeping three and four tight ends at the deadline. If the Chiefs decide on four this time around, it might require a surprise cut at another position.
In that case, Tre Watson, who spent last year on the team’s practice squad, is the most likely candidate over Jake Briningstool and John Michael Gyllenborg.
Offensive line (9): LT Josh Simmons, LG Kingsley Suamataia, C Creed Humphrey, RG Trey Smith, RT Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole, Khalil Benson, Hunter Nourzad, Mike Caliendo
The Chiefs have kept a minimum of nine offensive linemen on their initial roster since 2017, and at this stage, it would be difficult to imagine anything different than this set of nine names.
Where the group gets interesting is at starting right tackle, which seems to have three true candidates: Jaylon Moore, second-year pro Esa Pole and rookie undrafted free agent Khalil Benson. That depth allowed the Chiefs to send Wanya Morris to the Atlanta Falcons in a recent swap of late-round draft picks.
Defense (25)
Defensive line (9): DE George Karlaftis, DT Chris Jones, DT Khyiris Tonga, DE Ashton Gillotte, Peter Woods, Omarr Norman-Lott, R Mason Thomas, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ethan Downs
Similar to the other side of the trenches, the Chiefs have kept a minimum of nine defensive linemen since Steve Spagnuolo took over the defense with a 4-3 base in 2019. The first seven names listed are locks, assuming Omarr Norman-Lott is fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in October.
It seems to be now-or-never for 2023 first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and Ethan Downs is a player Toub highlighted during a June news conference. Discussing special-teams upside, Toub called Downs one of two players who could help replace Leo Chenal, who joined the Washington Commanders this offseason.
Linebacker (6): Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Jeff Bassa, Jack Cochrane, Cooper McDonald, Cole Christiansen And speaking of Chenal, his departure opens about 450 defensive snaps for the taking. After what could be considered a redshirt year on defense, Jeff Bassa, whom Kansas City took in last year’s fifth round, should be in line for more looks. Bassa, Jack Cochrane and Cooper McDonald (Toub’s other Chenal comp) were all in the top five last year in special-teams snaps.
Cole Christiansen has floated between the team’s practice squad and active roster the past few seasons. He could be the odd man out if the Chiefs decide they would rather keep an extra wide receiver or tight end — or if they were to sign a veteran defensive end.
Defensive backs (10): Mansoor Delane, Nohl Williams, Chris Roland-Wallace, L’Jarius Sneed, Kristian Fulton, Jadon Canady, Kader Kohou, Chamarri Conner, Alohi Gilman, Jaden Hicks
The Chiefs could keep all 10 of these defensive backs, with No. 6 overall pick Mansoor Delane, Chamarri Conner and Alohi Gilman as the safe bets for starting roles. With Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook having moved on, Kansas City will use training camp to figure out the rest.
Nohl Williams is the likely starter opposite Delane, but where does that leave Kristian Fulton? Can L’Jarius Sneed stay healthy enough to push? If Sneed is healthy, do the Chiefs need both Jadon Canady and Kader Kohou? How do Chris Roland-Wallace and Jaden Hicks fit in?
The room seems too crowded for Kaiir Elam and Kevin Knowles, but they remain names to watch.
Specialists (3)
K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza and LS James Winchester.
As of now, no external competition is expected at any of the specialist positions.
