Chiefs could cut Super Bowl hero due to cap space concerns?

The Chiefs wide receiver corps struggled for most of the regular season. Rookie receiver Rashee Rice and tight end Travis Kelce were quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ best options in 2023. Kadarius Toney, Mecole Hardman, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling had multiple issues affecting their play.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling was a Super Bowl hero

Valdes-Scantling only had 21 receptions for 315 yards and one touchdown in the regular season. Fortunately for Kansas City, MVS turned it on in the Super Bowl. He finished with three receptions for 20 yards and caught a critical touchdown in the Chiefs comeback win.

The Chiefs could cut MVS

NFL writer Matt Okada discussed anticipated cap casualties for the Chiefs this offseason. Okada thinks MVS could be out, even after his spectacular play in the Super Bowl:

“A couple big catches notwithstanding, Valdes-Scantling was more memorable for his missed plays in 2023 and finished the regular season with just 21 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown.

That’s nowhere close to the numbers needed to justify his $14 million cap hit in 2024. With MVS counting for just $2 million in dead money (and $12M in savings), the three-peat hungry Chiefs would be well served to move on and seek their admittedly much-needed WR depth elsewhere.”

Per Over the Cap, the Chiefs have about $15 million in cap space. The team needs to extend star defensive tackle Chris Jones, which won’t be cheap. Kansas City could try to find a WR2 or WR3 in free agency and build around Rice as their WR1 for 2023.

But they should consider adding a wide receiver in April’s loaded pass-catching draft.