When it comes to the roster construction of a contending team like the Kansas City Chiefs, there are often very few surprises in late August, other than minor tinkering with special teams roles. However, the Chiefs threw a curveball on the day that roster cuts are due with the news that safety Mike Edwards has been released.

Edwards was, for the majority of training camp, the presumed fourth safety for the Chiefs entering the regular season. Now, however, the team is turning in a completely unexpected direction after watching both primary veterans competing for the role fall away.

The Chiefs came into St. Joseph with Deon Bush and Edwards in place as experienced backups competing for a spot behind a young trio of Bryan Cook in his contract year, Jaden Hicks in a sophomore season, and Chamarri Conner when he’s not playing nickel corner.

Mike Edwards’ release means the Chiefs’ original plan at safety is being altered late in the summer.

Bush, however, tore an Achilles tendon in the team’s first preseason game, which forced him to injured reserve for the entire season. His special teams acumen has been an asset for the last three seasons, even if his role has diminished outside of that.

Edwards played in 17 games and started 5 for the Chiefs in 2023, but earned only 8 appearances while splitting time between two teams in 2024—the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He signed a one-year deal worth just over $1.3 million to join K.C.’s secondary in April.

The decision to let Edwards hit free agency could. mean one of two things. First, it’s possible the Chiefs are clearing a spot on the roster for an outside addition. Perhaps they’re expecting to make a trade, given their very low position on the waiver wire at No. 31 overall—one that would require landing a safety option that every other team is willing to pass on.

Second, it’s also possible that the team is enamored with a younger player on the roster that wasn’t an obvious selection. Christian Roland-Wallace could fill a role there. Defensive back Kevin Knowles was also impressive in the preseason. Rookie free agents Major Williams and Glendon Miller are also on the roster at this point at safety but made little noise.

Time will tell soon enough as the Chiefs have until Tuesday afternoon to submit their roster corrections. But it looks as if general manager Brett Veach has at least one real surprise for Chiefs Kingdom.