Chiefs’ Initial 53-Man Roster for 2024 Revealed After Cuts

Defensive Backs

The Kansas City Chiefs have released their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season, and there are some notable changes on the defensive side of the ball. The Chiefs have added several new faces to their secondary, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Justin Reid. Both players are expected to play key roles in the Chiefs' defense this season.

Other notable changes to the secondary include the release of safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Rashad Fenton. Mathieu was a key member of the Chiefs' defense last season, but he was allowed to leave in free agency. Fenton was also a starter for the Chiefs last season, but he was released in a salary cap move.

Defensive Line

The Chiefs have also made some changes to their defensive line. The team has added defensive end George Karlaftis and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. Both players are expected to contribute immediately to the Chiefs' defense this season.

Other notable changes to the defensive line include the release of defensive end Frank Clark and defensive tackle Chris Jones. Clark was a key member of the Chiefs' defense last season, but he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in a salary cap move. Jones was also a starter for the Chiefs last season, but he was released in a move to make room for Karlaftis and Saunders.

Linebackers

The Chiefs have made few changes to their linebacker corps. The team has added linebacker Nick Bolton and released linebacker Anthony Hitchens. Bolton is expected to start at middle linebacker for the Chiefs this season, while Hitchens was a backup linebacker for the team last season.

Other notable changes to the linebacker corps include the release of linebacker Ben Niemann. Niemann was a backup linebacker for the Chiefs last season, but he was released in a salary cap move.

Special Teams

The Chiefs have made no changes to their special teams unit. The team has re-signed kicker Harrison Butker, punter Tommy Townsend, and long snapper James Winchester. All three players are expected to be key contributors to the Chiefs' special teams unit this season.