The Kansas City Chiefs are heading closer to the 2026 season with OTAs officially underway and fans getting their first real glimpse at the team's new roster. With this has come a level of clarity as to key contributors from a season ago who could be on the bubble or fighting for their roles after offseason changes. This speaks to a strong offseason and great additions made by decision-makers who appear to have put the dynasty back on track.
Leading us to look at a trio of names who have clearly been put on notice by offseason moves. Players who are going to be forced to fight for their respective roster spots or may have to settle for lesser roles, even if they manage to escape this year's final cuts.
These three Chiefs will be fighting for their jobs come training camp
1. Brashard Smith
The moment that Kenneth Walker III was signed, it appeared that Smith might have a bit of hope after last season's frustrating results. Spending a high amount of money, one player offered Smith the chance to excel in a backup role while Walker shouldered the load. This proved to be a short-lived option, with Emmett Johnson added in this year's draft class and very quickly building momentum and expectations of what Smith is expected to contribute.
Kansas City didn't stop there, bringing in Emari Demercado via free agency. This running back overhaul turns up the pressure on Smith and makes it very clear that it's going to take an incredible summer for the second-year man to have a contributing role. Brashard Smith losing his roster spot completely has become an increasingly possible outcome.
2. Nikko Remigio
A season ago, it was special teams coordinator Dave Toub who appeared to save Remigio's roster spot, making a very public plea for the returner and depth receiver. This vote of confidence was rewarded with an extremely boring return game, where it felt like Remigio's lone accomplishment was catching the football and promptly going down without creating a positive play.
Rookie Cyrus Allen has a history of returning kicks, and second-year receiver Jalen Royals has been noted for his offseason improvements. This gives the Chiefs an avenue to replace Remigio and part ways with a depth piece that didn't live up to expectations a season ago. No question, the receiver needs a strong camp and preseason, and even then, would be very likely buried on KC's depth chart.
3. Jaden Hicks
The free agent signing of Alohi Gilman ended any thought that Hicks could have a chance at redemption and become a viable starting option. Instead, the third-year safety will be fighting for a backup role, with his rookie contract being the only security the defender has. The cheap contract and hope that the defensive back will take an elusive leap should keep his roster spot safe, even if it isn't likely to be one of note.
Hicks appears buried on a crowded depth chart and has no one but himself to blame after failing to live up to expectations. While a slight hope remains that the defender will take a leap and fight for a contributing role, it seems increasingly likely that the Chiefs will consider turning the page and taking a rare loss on a player who hasn't provided the needed results.
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