The Kansas City Chiefs are led by high-profile stars like quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive lineman Chris Jones, and have won three Super Bowl titles with their current corps of tested veterans.
But, after Kansas City’s defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs will rely on up-and-coming talents to buoy their success for another season in 2025.
As Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones continue to provide Kansas City’s coaching staff with consistency, these seven lesser-known contributors could prove to be the Chiefs’ most underrated assets next season:
FB Carson Steele
Though Steele struggled to find his footing in three starts last season, fans should expect the former UCLA Bruin to push for a spot on Kansas City’s roster in 2025.
WR Nikko Remigio
Remigio has been a constant presence on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster and practice squad since 2023 and earned his first start in the NFL last season.
TE Jared Wiley
Wiley’s rookie season was derailed by a torn ACL. While it remains unlikely that Wiley will return in time for Kansas City’s regular season debut, fans should expect to see him return to the field in time for the playoffs.
OL Hunter Nourzad
Kansas City’s decision to trade veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney may give Nourzad the chance he needs to push for playing time next season.
DL Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Anudike-Uzomah wouldn’t usually be considered an “underrated” player, given his status as a former first-round pick. However, the former Kansas State Wildcat is still just 23 years old, and he showed signs of development as a pass-rusher last season on Kansas City’s loaded defensive line.
LB Cole Christiansen
Christiansen is one of the Chiefs’ most impactful players on special teams and may be a force his way onto Kansas City’s 53-man roster with strong performances in training camp and the preseason.
DB Jaden Hicks
Hicks enters his second season in the NFL with sky-high expectations. Given veteran safety Justin Reid’s departure from Kansas City in free agency, Hicks seems primed to compete for a starting spot in the Chiefs’ defense next season.
