3 Chiefs Who Should Be Cut Before Free Agency Opens
By Joe Summers
![Justyn Ross caught six passes on 10 targets this season Justyn Ross caught six passes on 10 targets this season](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4089,h_2300,x_0,y_100/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/220/01hqxvnrb52p0nh4nj7g.jpg)
The Chiefs have already started on their offseason plan to free up cap space for the long list of free agents due for contract, including defensive stars Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the first to be let go, though several other players are likely to be cut as well before free agency officially opens in the NFL on March 13th. With the NFL Combine going on too, the Chiefs will ultimately need to allocate roster spots to impressive rookies, adding to the complicated maneuvering Brett Veach has ahead.
These are tough decisions, but let's have a look at three Chiefs who should be cut before free agency officially opens:
3 Chiefs Who Should Be Cut Before Free Agency Opens
1. Justyn Ross - WR
I'm a fan of Justyn Ross and his talent, though the former Clemson star couldn't crack the field much this year despite relatively poor competition. The Chiefs need to aggressively add both wide receivers in free agency and the draft. That means freeing up some space, and Ross feels like the odd man out after Valdes-Scantling.
It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the team move on from Kadarius Toney as well, but his contract is guaranteed already so either trading him or keeping him around feel like more probable potential outcomes.
Ross suited up for 10 games, catching six passes on 11 targets for 53 yards after a strong training camp and preseason. He's on the books for just under $1 million and would likely be a practice squad candidate, unlike Toney.
Career YPRR vs Man/Zone coverage from the last three WR classes pic.twitter.com/9STNe7KoxB
— Football Insights 📊 (@fball_insights) February 23, 2024
Up on the far upper right portion of the chart there, Ross is still one of the most impressive wide receiver prospects in recent memory. Injuries derailed his promising career, but he could still make an impact on the league.
Here's hoping Ross sticks on the practice squad, though I'd admittedly be surprised if he's on the active roster in 2024 barring injury.