Way-back Wednesday: What Chiefs offseason darlings have you fallen for?
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 20: Tim Ward #92 of the Kansas City Chiefs stretches between plays during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesIt's that time of the offseason, when the 37 players on the Kansas City Chiefs' 91-man offseason roster that eventually fail to make the final cutdown entice fans across Chiefs Kingdom.
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Heading into my eighth season covering the team for Arrowhead Pride, there is an endless list of swings and misses on my part from analyzing the offseason roster. One of the most memorable was defensive end Tim Ward in 2021 - but that was because All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu made sure I wouldn't forget it.
After the team's initial 53-man roster was revealed following the 2021 preseason, I snarkily blamed special teams coordinator Dave Toub for the decision to keep lesser-known third-year cornerback Chris Lammons over Ward, who was quickly claimed by the New York Jets after he was waived.
Lammons quickly backed up the belief of his veteran teammate by becoming an ace for Kansas City's special teams through the 2022 season, and went on to have a similar role for the Indianapolis Colts for three more seasons after winning Super Bowl LVII, leading the Chiefs in special-teams snaps that season.
Ward failed to register even a quarterback hit in 11 games for the Jets that season, then left the NFL.
I just be talking brother I mean no harm. Trust me, you're good with me. I just wouldn't question big red haha
- Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) September 1, 2021
So it's a good reminder that - as the Honey Badger put it - we don't know anything this time of year, especially me.
Who are some underwhelming players that come to mind when thinking about the offseason hype train? Let us know in the comments.