Chiefs Fan Favorite May Have ‘Tough Time’ Making Roster, Says Reporter

The Kansas City Chiefs made their first big decision at wide receiver ahead of roster cuts next week, trading Skyy Moore to the San Francisco 49ers, but according to a veteran KC beat reporter, fan favorite WR/returner Nikko Remigio may not make the team despite that.

On August 18, KSHB 41 beat writer Nick Jacobs predicted that both Moore and Remigio would end up being cut. He pegged Remigio as a practice squad candidate if he passes through waivers, and had the Chiefs moving on from Moore altogether (which they did on August 20 via trade).

Needless to say, Jacobs does not believe Moore’s departure has any impact on Remigio making the team.

“[Rashee] Rice’s suspension timeline forces the Chiefs to keep seven [wide receivers] early on,” Jacobs projected ahead of the preseason finale. “[Tyquan] Thornton is likely going to be the sixth receiver. It is just a question of [Jason] Brownlee or Remigio.”

“Brownlee gives the Chiefs an element [Patrick] Mahomes hasn’t had in the red zone with his ability to elevate for fades and time back shoulders perfectly,” the reporter continued. Adding: “The chemistry between those two has been tough to ignore.”

As for Remigio, Jacobs noted that his “impact comes from his ability to return the football.”

He concluded that “if the Chiefs can find a better returner in Thornton, [Jalen] Royals or [Brashard] Smith, then Remigio will have a tough time getting on the 53.”

Nikko Remigio Must Prove He’s a Step Above the Chiefs’ Alternative Returner Options in the Preseason Finale

As Jacobs laid out, Remigio’s only real shot to make the team is as the lead returner. He’s not a strong enough wide receiver to compete with the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Royals, Thornton, and even Brownlee otherwise.

So, let’s take a look at the returner numbers so far this summer.

With Moore out of the picture, the Chiefs still have seven players who they have tried out on kickoffs and punt returns during the first two preseason outings. They are Remigio, Royals, Smith, Thornton, cornerback Nohl Williams, and undrafted rookie WRs Jimmy Holiday and Key’Shawn Smith.

Of the seven, only two have taken punt returns (Brashard Smith and Thornton), although we know Remigio has experience in that area as well.

Below are the early results, with one more preseason game left to play:

Kick Returns:

• Nikko Remigio, 1 for 48 yards (48.0-yard average).
• Jalen Royals, 2 for 75 yards (37.5-yard average, 49-yard long).
• Jimmy Holiday, 1 for 34 yards (34.0-yard average).
• Key’Shawn Smith, 1 for 34 yards (34.0-yard average).
• Nohl Williams, 1 for 28 yards (28.0-yard average).
• Brashard Smith, 1 for 26 yards (26.0-yard average).
• Tyquan Thornton, 1 for 24 yards (24.0-yard average).

Punt Returns:

• Tyquan Thornton, 1 for 7 yards (7.0-yard average).
• Brashard Smith, 2 for 0 yards (0.0-yard average).

Moore had been the top punt returner of the preseason before he was traded, breaking out an 88-yard touchdown off a punt in Seattle. There appear to be several options on kickoffs, but if the Chiefs are going to cut Remigio, they must find another legitimate punt returner before August 26.

And on the other side of the coin, Remigio must prove that he’s indispensable in that area.

Bears Matchup Is Final Audition Before Chiefs Roster Cuts

With roster cuts coming next Tuesday, the Chiefs’ final audition is set for Friday night, against the Chicago Bears.

Aside from those who are injured, KC is expected to play everyone at least one series or so. Making every snap crucial for bubble candidates like Remigio.

The former undrafted prospect’s 2025 outlook once again displays how difficult it is to not only overcome the odds and make a 53-man roster as a UDFA, but also sustain that momentum and continue to make the team year after year.

Just ask Remigio’s top competition to make the Chiefs roster, Brownlee, who made the New York Jets’ 53 as a rookie before missing the cut in year two.