4 Chiefs Who Aren’t Safe After Surviving Trade Deadline

3. Cameron Thomas, DE

Looking to bolster their defense, the Chiefs added some pass-rush depth when they acquired Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round pick in August.

A former 2022 third-round pick, the Chiefs were hoping that Thomas could reach his potential after failing to do so in his two seasons with the Cardinals. The former San Diego State product amassed 21.0 sacks in his final three collegiate seasons and the hope was that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could be the key to helping the 24-year-old reach his ceiling.

We're now into the second half of the 2024 campaign and Thomas hasn't seen much playing time. He's only made a total of five appearances, spending just six snaps on defense while playing 22 on special teams. What's even more disappointing is that he's failed to register a single tackle throughout those opportunities.

With PFF giving Thomas an overall defense grade of 31.8, it's hard to feel confident about his outlook with the Chiefs. He's already having a tough time when it comes to earning playing opportunities and that won't change unless he rediscovers his groove at some point.

Even though Thomas' rookie contract runs through 2025, the Chiefs can free up his entire $1.4 million salary if they waive/trade him at any point in the offseason.