3 Chiefs Cap Casualty Cuts to Save Millions This Offseason
The Kansas City Chiefs are, once again, Super Bowl Champions after overcoming the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. Andy Reid's team has now won back-to-back titles, becoming the first NFL team to do so since the New England Patriots won two straight in the 2003 and 2004 campaigns.
It's going to be interesting to see how the Chiefs handle the offseason — especially if they're aiming to be the first team to ever three-peat. Spotrac lists Kansas City as having over $22.6 million in cap space this offseason and while that seems like a lot, it isn't that much given that the team must re-sign key players like Chris Jones, Michael Danna, Willie Gay Jr., and more.
Fortunately, the Chiefs can free up some millions over the offseason by moving on from various names. With that in mind, here are three Kansas City players who are likely to be cap casualties.
1. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling — Cap Savings: $11.98 Million
All eyes were on Marquez Valdes-Scantling when he signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Chiefs back in 2022. The former South Florida wideout had spent the beginning of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, so fans were excited to see what he could do with Patrick Mahomes airing him the ball.
Valdes-Scantling was decent in Year 1 of the contract, turning 42 receptions into 687 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games. Unfortunately, he didn't even come close to reaching similar heights in Year 3. The 29-year-old pass-catcher finished the 2023 regular season with an underwhelming 21-315-1 stat line while his 19.7 receiving yards per game were a new career worst.
MVS had some decent moments during the Chiefs' playoff run, but nothing that warrants the $13.98 million cap hit he carries in 2024. The good news is that Kansas City can save $11.98 million whether they trade or waive him at any point this offseason.
Considering how many decent wide receivers can be signed with that amount of money, I'd be surprised if Valdes-Scantling survives the spring on his current contract.
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