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3 Chiefs Who Will Be Cut Without a Strong Second Half of Season

These three Kansas City Chiefs could be at risk of being cut in the offseason if they don't manage to have strong performances in the second half of the 2024 NFL campaign.

By Devon Platana

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele (42) returns a kick against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele (42) returns a kick against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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The Kansas City Chiefs are still undefeated as the second half of the 2024 NFL season is officially underway. There were some close calls in the first half of the campaign, however, the Chiefs weathered every storm they faced and now have the opportunity to finish the year with the third perfect regular season record in NFL history.

Several Chiefs have been performing exceptionally well this season, playing a big role in the franchise's early success. On the other hand, others haven't contributed much to Kansas City's unblemished record, and failing to find a way to contribute down the stretch could lead to an eventual offseason divorce.

Here are three Chiefs who could be cut without a strong second-half performance.

1. Carson Steele, RB

Carson Steele went from going unselected at the 2024 NFL draft to being named the Chiefs' starting fullback ahead of the season. The former UCLA runner displayed potential in the summer with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns in three preseason games, leaving the fanbase to wonder if he could have similar success in the regular season.

But outside of his Week 3 performance, Steele has been largely invisible on the gridiron. The 22-year-old only has 152 rushing yards on 46 attempts — an abysmal 3.3 yards per carry — and has also made three catches for 10 receiving yards while failing to score a touchdown in his first nine games. That's without even bringing up his three fumbles.

What's even more frustrating is that Steele has had several opportunities to step up with Isiah Pacheco spending most of the early season on the injured reserve. Instead, Steele was surpassed by Kareem Hunt on the depth chart. Now that Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are nearing their returns, it's unlikely that Steele will have much of a real role going forward.

Considering how the Chiefs can rid themselves of his entire salary by cutting or trading him at any point in the offseason, it's easy to see how crucial it is for Steele to step up down the stretch.

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