4 Chiefs on Thin Ice Heading Into Free Agency

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off a Super Bowl win, not everyone's job is safe going forward. Here are four Chiefs who are on thin ice ahead of free agency.
WR Kadarius Toney is one of four Chiefs who are heading into free agency on thin ice.
WR Kadarius Toney is one of four Chiefs who are heading into free agency on thin ice. / William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
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2. WR Justyn Ross

Toney isn't the only wideout on thin ice in Kansas City going forward.

Chiefs fans were excited to see what Justyn Ross could do last season after missing his entire rookie campaign with a foot injury. The former CFP National Championship winner showed a lot of promise across three seasons with the Clemson Tigers, hauling in 158 balls for 2,379 receiving yards and 20 TDs in 38 games.

But instead of stepping up in a weak WR room, Ross was mostly invisible in 2023. He only played 20% of offensive snaps across 10 outings (1 start), bringing in 6-of-11 targets (54.5%) for only 53 yards and a pair of first downs. He dropped two of his passes as well and only carried a 67.6 passer rating when targeted, meaning he essentially turned Patrick Mahomes into Bailey Zappe (68.8) when looking his way.

The Chiefs' coaching staff clearly lost all faith in the former Clemson product as time went on, highlighted by his only seeing three offensive downs with four special teams snaps during the postseason.

Between his injury history, lackluster play, and off-field issues, it's likely in the Chiefs' best interest to replace Ross at some point this season. Potentially with a free-agent WR. The good news is that Kansas City can cleanse itself of Ross' entire $915,000 salary if they move on from him at any point this offseason, per Spotrac.