6 Chiefs on the Trade Block Heading Into Training Camp

4. Irv Smith Jr., TE

Once again, it's going to be very difficult for offensive skill players to make the Chiefs' final 53-man roster, even some veteran players like Irv Smith Jr.

Smith joined the Chiefs this offseason undoubtedly hoping that this one-year deal in Kansas City -- and hopefully some good luck health-wise -- could lead to a big payday in 2025:

"Ultimately, looking at different teams, with the success that Kansas City's had obviously with Mahomes and being a part of [things with] Travis Kelce and Coach (Andy) Reid...The culture they've built here is a winning culture. It's something that I've been around winners my whole life. I just felt like for me, it was the best opportunity, the best fit and somewhere I can succeed and just showcase my ability."

- Irv Smith Jr.

Noah Gray played almost 600 snaps for this Chiefs’ offense last year. Then, Kansas City was able to land Jared Wiley out of TCU in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. There’s certainly a path to potentially keeping all four guys at the tight end position – along with Travis Kelce, of course – but there’s not going to be any guarantee for a player like Smith.

If the Chiefs like what they see from both Noah Gray and Jared Wiley behind Travis Kelce, they should do whatever they can to maximize that investment in Irv Smith Jr., a former second-round pick who could help other tight end-needy teams around the league. Smith signed a very team-friendly deal after playing for the Bengals last year, and he’s going to need to utilize his offseason with the Chiefs as an opportunity not only to audition for their final roster but for all 31 other teams as well.