3 Chiefs that probably won't return to Kansas City in 2022

3 Chiefs that probably won’t return to Kansas City in 2022

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 18: Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the video scoreboard during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, November 18, 2019, in Mexico City. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Feb 4, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens (53) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Anthony Hitchens

Anthony Hitchens will be 30-years-old next season in which he carries a $12 million cap hit in 2022. Hitchens has had a solid season in 2021, but with the emergence of Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr., he will be expendable.

Despite having a solid season for the Chiefs in 2021, Kansas City will benefit from moving on from the veteran linebacker. Kansas City will save $8 million by cutting Hitchens this offseason. Paying $12 million for a linebacker that is clearly the third-best on the roster is not financially smart for a team with an expensive quarterback on the horizon.

All of these moves are based on production and/or price of the player. These three players have shown that they will not have an influence on the team’s future. The Chiefs are going into a time where young assets have to be the focal points to build around Mahomes. You can still have another player or two commanding money, but those players have to be cornerstones for the franchise.

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