5 Chiefs Entering Their Last Season in Kansas City

5. Lucas Niang - OT

If you'd forgotten Lucas Niang was still on the roster, you're not alone. The 2020 third-round pick is on the last year of his rookie contract and hasn't played significant snaps since his rookie season, so it seems obvious the Chiefs are moving on.

2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris and 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia are competing for the starting left tackle role, while Jawaan Taylor is firmly entrenched at right tackle. Kansas City drafted three offensive linemen this year, all of them with some versatility, decreasing the need for a player like Niang who never quite stuck on the roster.

Barring significant unforeseen injuries, there isn't a path for playing time for Niang. It wouldn't surprise me to see him cut from the team, though his experience with the blocking scheme likely gives him an edge for this season at least.

After playing 525 snaps in 2021, Niang has only 67 snaps total since. Kansas City has other plans on the offensive line and with so many difficult decisions ahead, including the contracts of Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, there are only so many resources the organization can commit to the line.

If this is Niang's last ride, he'll always be a two-time Super Bowl champion and perhaps a third. He's a player I'd keep an eye on throughout training camp, because the Chiefs' draft class may end his tenure sooner than expected.

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