3 Chiefs veterans who could be cut this preseason

1. OT Mike Remmers

Remmers started 10 regular season games at right tackle, then two more in the playoffs, for the Chiefs last year in place of an injured Mitchell Schwartz. Then he was the poster boy for the struggles to protect Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, when he played left tackle in place of an injured Eric Fisher. But in the background of their big moves to bolster the offensive line (Orlando Brown, Joe Thuney) Remmers was brought back on a one-year deal to provide experienced depth with a bit of versatility.

The Chiefs seem set to give 2020 third-round pick Lucas Niang, who opted out of last season due to COVID-19, every chance to be their starting right tackle this year. Remmers was penciled in as the starter ahead of the preseason opener, if only as a nod to his veteran status, but a back injury had limited him during camp practices and Niang got the first-team run against the 49ers.

Remmers has value as a veteran backup who can play both tackle spots and kick in to guard if needed. A healthy return to practice this week lines him up to play a fair amount against the Cardinals in the second preseason game. But if Niang is still the starter, that’s a sign of the guard changing just as planned.

Remmers would certainly qualify as a surprising cut for the Chiefs. But it’s hardly out of the question, and he may need to unseat Niang as the starting right tackle to totally secure his spot on the final 53.