The Kansas City Chiefs are just over three weeks away from reporting to training camp and officially kicking off the 2026 season. It is by far the longest stretch of the offseason without many noteworthy headlines to help fans pass the time. With this in mind, it is worth looking ahead to the team's upcoming camp and considering players who are going to be facing the most pressure to come out hot and hold onto their current roles.
We are specifically looking at players who could lose either their starting job or roster spots without a great showing when the Chiefs head to St Joe. Leading us to start with an obvious name coming off a frustrating 2025 season and perhaps facing either demotion or a surprise roster cut.
Two 2025 draft picks enter their second season with everything on their shoulders
1. Brashard Smith
Smith's only remaining hope is that the offensive coaching changes earns the back a surprise second chance. Even on a seventh-round rookie contract, it wouldn't be a huge shock to see Smith considered for a roster cut. A demotion is clearly expected with Kenneth Walker III now the entrenched starter, and Emmett Johnson, the early favorite to be the team's backup option.
Not only will this duo surpass Smith, but Emari Demercado's free agency addition leaves a very real possibility that Smith is the fourth man at the position. There needs to be a hot start that flashes his speed and chemistry within an offense that appears to be getting ready to turn the page from a player who had a frustrating rookie season.
2. Ashton Gillotte
Gillotte is listed here despite coming off a season where he finished strong and showed a clear level of development. What earns the pass-rusher a place on this list is understanding that the addition of R Mason Thomas could serve as a demotion out of the team's starting lineup. George Karlaftis is being paid as a starting edge rusher and coming off a season that is being written off due to injury.
Thomas has the advantage of being an unknown and a different type of speed-rusher than Gillotte, who is like Karlaftis in many ways. It is going to take a strong training camp and preseason performance to hold onto a starting job and force Thomas to start the season as a rotational option.
3. Jaylon Moore
Moore isn't in as much danger as the first two names on this list; however, there is no denying the obvious level of pressure. Esa Pole was impressive early in the summer and has a path to making life difficult for Moore. The swing tackle has limited starting experience and spent much of last season at left tackle before being asked to take over for Jawaan Taylor.
Fans are already frustrated with the right tackle position and would welcome finding a cheaper long-term solution. Moore might be the clear starter for the time being, but that could quickly change with any camp stumbles or a standout depth piece making it clear the Chiefs have another option.
4. Kristian Fulton
The moment that L'Jarius Sneed returned to Kansas City, it became clear that Fulton was living on borrowed time. A roster cut appears increasingly possible, as the Chiefs would open up another $5 million in cap space by doing so. But Kansas City should still wait until the preseason to make any rash decisions. This leaves the door open for Fulton to take advantage of his year in Spagnuolo's system and make life hard for the younger corners.
It is going to take struggles from the team's expected starters, as well as a standout camp and preseason from Fulton, to change his standing on a team that appears ready to turn the page the moment they are sure of the team's current depth.
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