Chiefs first notable cut of training camp is already painfully obvious

As the Kansas City Chiefs inch closer to their first preseason game, the team will have to make difficult decisions about who to cut and who to keep. Considering the pass rush took a step back in 2024, it makes sense that the Chiefs did their best to bolster that position in the offseason, drafting Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte in the second and third rounds of the draft.

While it's good news for the Chiefs' pass-rushing department, it's not good news for the depth pieces who are now getting pushed further back on the depth chart. One name that could be a cut candidate is Malik Herring, who has been with the Chiefs since 2022.

Malik Herring’s Chiefs roster spot might already be a lost cause

Herring was an undrafted free agent out of Georgia when he joined the Chiefs in 2022 and has spent the past three years on their roster. He's been a solid depth piece for the team but with those newly-added players from the draft, it wouldn't be too surprising to see the former Georgia Bulldog on his way out before the season begins.

Right now, at defensive end, the Chiefs have George Karlaftis and Mike Danna as their two starters, Charles Omenihu and Felix Anduike-Uzomah as the backups and then Gillotte is likely going to take the fifth spot. Maybe the Chiefs keep more than just five or maybe there's a surprise cut in there somewhere but Herring feels like the odd man out here.

Herring would be a tough cut for the team considering he's been in Kansas City for the past three seasons but with the position group growing, he might be expendable. It's rare for undrafted free agents to stick as long as Herring has and while the Chiefs could still keep him around on their practice squad, it also wouldn't be shocking to see another team bring him in.

This is the time of year where teams have to make tough decisions and cutting Herring would fall into that category. That being said, if the Chiefs have better options to keep around to keep their depth in the best possible shape, that's the move they'll do.