3 Chiefs Veterans Who Will Be Cut Following the NFL Draft

2. Irv Smith Jr., TE

Interestingly enough, Irv Smith Jr.'s time with the Chiefs might end before it even begins.

Smith, who's entering his fifth NFL campaign, was signed by Kansas City earlier this offseason to add some depth to the tight end room. After tallying 109 catches, 973 receiving yards, and 10 TDs through his first 49 games, the New Orleans, LA native was viewed as the likely TE3 behind Travis Kelce and Noah Grey.

However, Smith received less-than-stellar news when the Chiefs selected ex-TCU TE Jared Wiley with the 131st overall pick last week. Wiley was one of the best tight ends in the draft and is now viewed as Kelce's potential successor after amassing 47 receptions, 520 yards, and eight TDs in his final campaign with the Horned Frogs.

At the end of the day, I can't imagine the Chiefs using a fourth-round pick on Wiley only for him not to play next season. He's too good not to be challenging for the TE3 spot — especially after Smith posted an abysmal 18-115-1 stat line in 12 appearances with the Cincinnati Bengals last season.

Spotrac lists that the Chiefs can save $768,500 by cutting Smith at any point this offseason, further opening the door for a potential cut. The 25-year-old veteran clearly has a lot to prove if he wants to convince Kansas City management that he deserves playing time and a roster spot over the likes of Wiley.