We call players who are cut because of money reasons "cap casualties" and the Kansas City Chiefs could have a few of those this year with a tight salary cap number and several high-paid players. NFL.com has a list of some of the top potential cuts around the league and multiple Chiefs are included.
WR Dwayne Bowe is listed as a strong candidate for release. I agree that he probably is ... but the Chiefs also need a way to replace him. As of now they don't have the cap space to do much in free agency. That could change with more moves. The money is on him leaving but we'll see. A pay cut of some sort doesn't seem to be completely out of the question.
LB Tamba Hali and QB Chase Daniel are listed under potential surprise cuts. Hali talked all about wanting to come backto Kansas City. The Chiefs seem to like him enough. I can see him coming back. But this situation is so fascinating because it's not so black and white. Tamba helps you in 2015 but if that means Dee Ford is playing less, is that the best for the Chiefs in 2016 and 2017? I don't really know. This is one of those decisions where I'm glad I'm not GM John Dorsey. Then there's Daniel, who is due a nice chunk of change for a backup. Dorsey said the Chiefs can afford Daniel if they want to. Quarterback is a different animal. If Chase won a game with the playoffs on the line, it would be worthy every penny of $4.8 million. I'm leaning toward him staying this year.
LB Joey Mays and DE Mike DeVito are listed under potential cuts. I can see Mays coming back because the Chiefs had so many issues at inside linebacker last season. They're not ready to move on from him until there's a replacement ready. DeVito's roster spot would seem to be firmly on the bubble. He's over 30 coming off an Achilles tear and the Chiefs can save money by releasing him. Keep an eye on him. They played without him last year as Jaye Howard began to emerge.
Other potential cap casualties I could see:
TE Anthony Fasano: If the Chiefs find someone in the draft I wouldn't be surprised to see Fasano on his way out. The Chiefs obviously value him as a veteran so it's no sure thing but not out of the question.
DE Vance Walker: This might come down to Walker vs. DeVito for a roster spot.
Anyone else that I missed?