3 Chiefs Players Facing Their Last December in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs have now officially won nine straight AFC West division titles. As the Chiefs pursue a third-straight Super Bowl win, one thing has become abundantly clear: This team is going to attract ring chasers every single year, so long as Patrick Mahomes is under center.

The Chiefs don’t need to beg certain veterans to come back to this team, nor do they need to really waste roster spots on guys who aren’t contributing. They have the luxury of bringing in some of the best available players in the league, sometimes at a reduced rate, because players want to be in Kansas City. They know they’re going to play meaningful football there.

With that in mind, there are a number of guys on this Chiefs roster who are likely playing their last December with the team. You can’t ever say never when it comes to the NFL and players coming back (see: Kareem Hunt) but the Chiefs will almost undoubtedly pursue some alternatives to at least a handful of players in 2025.

Samaje Perine Among Handful of Chiefs Who Won’t Likely Be Back in 2025

1. Samaje Perine – RB

You can’t help but understand and even like the Chiefs’ thought process when it comes to adding Samaje Perine. First off, he was cut by a division rival (the Denver Broncos). Second, he provides legitimate value in the passing game, not only as a receiver but as a pass protector.

Third, Perine is tremendous after the catch.

Fourth, and most importantly, he has a lot of experience in big games. Although Perine is not an every-down running back, he’s someone who can work really well for what the Chiefs need, and what they need is this year.

The Chiefs have Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Carson Steele, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the roster in addition to Perine at the running back position. My guess is they will try to add more youth to this position group in the 2025 offseason and players like Perine sort of just float around every offseason.

Perhaps a huge playoff run will change his future fate in Kansas City, but even averaging over 10 yards per reception for the Chiefs this year, Kansas City can find other guys even cheaper than Perine to provide similar production.

2. Skyy Moore – WR

You hate to say it, but any time we are discussion guys who simply won’t be around next year, it feels like Skyy Moore is the lowest of the low-hanging fruit.

The Chiefs drafted Moore in the second round just a couple of years ago, but they have shockingly had a hard time finding impact help at the receiver position despite the seemingly very favorable situation they provide with Andy Reid calling plays and Patrick Mahomes operating under center.

Moore was supposed to be a big-play threat with the Chiefs and a contributor in the return game, but they just can’t find snaps for him. As a matter of fact, Moore is on injured reserve right now with a core injury, and it feels like the team is just saving face by keeping him on IR as opposed to cutting him outright.

It’s likely we’ll see the Chiefs move on from Moore in the 2025 offseason after they seemingly hit on the selection of Xavier Worthy in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the return of Rashee Rice whenever he’s fully healthy will at least give Kansas City a strong duo at the top of their depth chart heading into next year.

As for Moore, he’s going to have to rediscover the player that everyone in the NFL Draft community loved so much coming out of Western Michigan. He’s going to have to do it fighting for a roster spot elsewhere, and there will be teams willing to take him on, there’s no doubt about that.

3. Hollywood Brown – WR

We made the point earlier that the Chiefs can typically get players a little bit cheaper than other teams can because they might be chasing rings, or they might just want to be in the best situation possible to play meaningful football.

For a player like Hollywood Brown, the Chiefs made so much sense on a short-term, team-friendly deal in free agency. Go to Kansas City for a year, benefit from playing with Patrick Mahomes, get yourself a huge bag in 2025 free agency.

Unfortunately, Brown was injured on the first drive for the Chiefs in the 2024 preseason and he hasn’t been able to play since then.

Just like with any player on the Chiefs’ roster, a huge postseason could change the discussion completely in terms of their future with the organization. But for Brown, it’s one of those situations where you can’t be sad at losing something you never really had.

The Chiefs have had to make due without Brown all year, and it’s frankly probably been a blessing in disguise to get a long-term piece like Xavier Worthy more involved and not sacrifice snaps or touches for him just to have Brown around.

With that being said, Brown could still help this team temporarily as we approach the postseason. he had four touchdowns and 51 receptions last year for the Arizona Cardinals, and is still just 27 years old. And thanks to his youth, Brown will likely get the chance to sign another “prove it” contract somewhere in 2025 where he can rehabilitate his overall value.

But as far as playing December football in Kansas City? Well, even if Brown can get on the field in December 2024, it’s likely to be his last December as a Chief no matter what.