Chiefs’ Mike Edwards cut just made these 3 veteran safeties relevant again

While making their roster cuts for Tuesday's deadline, the Kansas City Chiefs let Mike Edwards go. This was seen as a bit of a surprise from the team. Kansas City has a solid trio of younger safeties that they can still rely on at a high level. However, the veteran presence that Edwards provided is now missing.

That leads us to wonder if they will now make a veteran safety move to counteract the Mike Edwards transaction. Which players could make sense for the Chiefs stylistically? Are there any clear players who are now available that stand out as upgrades? Here are three veteran options the Chiefs could look to add at safety following the Edwards move.

1. Jalen Mills

The Houston Texans released Jalen Mills earlier Tuesday as part of their roster cuts. He was not with Houston for very long, joining them after an injury popped up for C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Mills is over the age of 30, yet he could still be a nice veteran depth option for a team like Kansas City.

Mills has had success when roaming and sitting in certain throwing windows, similar to what they could have received from Edwards. As his athleticism began to decline during the latter part of his career, Mills became more trusted as a physical piece who could win with football IQ.

The veteran still registered over 40 tackles and had six pass breakups with the Jets last season. Given that he can play in many different alignments, the Chiefs could do much worse if they want to have a veteran safety available.

2. Marcus Epps

Marcus Epps was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. After signing with them this offseason and recovering from a torn ACL, the former Eagle and Raider reportedly requested to be released for a fresh start. Perhaps that new opportunity could come in Kansas City.

Even coming off an injury, the range and change-of-direction skills that Epps possesses should still be a major part of his game. He is willing to play physically and come downhill to make tackles. That has always stood out about him during his career, despite noticeable size questions.

Epps has experience as a free safety, which is arguably where the Chiefs need more depth if they were to add another veteran at the position.

3. Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons was not in an NFL training camp this summer and is still a free agent. So, unlike Mills or Epps, he would need a little bit of ramp-up time to get going. Nonetheless, Simmons would be perfect depth alongside Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, and Jaden Hicks. Strictly due to his history as a takeaway artist and with ball production, Simmons would be a nice piece to lean on if in a dire situation.

Simmons has notably been one of the bigger thorns in Patrick Mahomes' side from his Denver days. But even last year with the Atlanta Falcons, Simmons still recorded a pair of interceptions and seven passes defensed. Even at the age of 31, it was stunning that he did not get an invite to anyone's training camp.