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4 Chiefs on the Chopping Block Next After Marquez Valdes-Scantling Release

After the Chiefs cut WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Wednesday morning, these four Kansas City players could be the next ones up on the chopping block.

By Devon Platana

Chiefs S Justin Reid could be the next player on the chopping block.
Chiefs S Justin Reid could be the next player on the chopping block. / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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3. Lucas Niang, OT

It also wouldn't be surprising if the Chiefs opted to move on from offensive tackle Lucas Niang to generate more cap space.

Niang, drafted 96th overall in 2020, hasn't lived up to his potential. After being named the starting right tackle in 2021, the 25-year-old blocker hasn't started a single game across the last two seasons, playing 21 games during that stretch. The lack of starts isn't surprising given how much he's struggled on the gridiron.

Niang struggled to provide adequate protection in 2023, finishing with 48.4 run-block and 56.5 pass-block grades on PFF. Although he only played 36 pass-block snaps, he still surrendered four pressures, meaning he essentially allowed some form of pressure on one of every nine snaps, which isn't a trend you want to see when your team has the best quarterback on the planet.

The Chiefs can save $1.1 million by trading or cutting Niang this offseason. While that isn't a ton of space, every penny counts with Kansas City looking to win a third Super Bowl in a row next year. Besides, chances are the Chiefs can find a better alternative for Niang through the 2024 NFL Draft.

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