Chiefs Rumors: Justyn Ross continues to shine in training camp
Justyn Ross is an early contender for the NFL's comeback player of the year. Although it's far too early to make such a declaration with any confidence, Ross continues to impress at Chiefs training camp, even forcing Patrick Mahomes to turn his head.
"I thought they did a great job," Mahomes said. "Y'all know as much as [anybody] that the receiver position in training camp is the hardest place to be… just [from] how much running we do. I thought those guys got better and better — and they learned how to finish and how to keep that mentality throughout the entire practice."
Mahomes was energetic during the Chiefs first preseason tilt, which featured Ross early and often. A former four-star prospect and top wide receiver at Clemson prior to being bit by the injury bug, Ross has plenty of talent. In fact, it was more than enough for the Chiefs to take a flyer on him and keep the former Tigers wideout on the roster despite a season-ending foot injury last year.
Kansas City knows what they have in a player of Ross's caliber. Without a top wide receiver post-Tyreek Hill trade, that spot is there for the taking if Ross continues to ball out. Of course, he'll have to compete with the likes of Skyy Moore, who has the edge in actual regular-season reps. His next step is to make the 53-man roster, which Sports Illustrated believes he's in good position to do:
"That is what comes next for Ross: making the team. All signs point to him being on the final 53-man roster. When that becomes official and Ross gets into his first game action during Week 1 of the season, he will be the first player with Kippel-Feil syndrome to ever play in an NFL game."
Assuming he's on the roster, there's no telling what Ross's ceiling is.
Chiefs Rumors: What's the latest with Chris Jones?
Kansas City football fans are eagerly awaiting the push notification informing them that Chris Jones has reported to Chiefs practice and agreed to a long-term contract agreement. However, that process has proven to be a slow one with Jones' representatives and the Chiefs front office.
The latest update on Jones is a relatively simple one — he has missed the entirely of KC's training camp. Thankfully, Jones is a veteran and doesn't exactly need a ton of practice reps to return to form. He even laughed off the thought he'd be out of shape when he does report on social media.
It's unclear what Jones's expectations are for a new contract. If he wants Aaron Donald money, that's likely out of the question for the Chiefs front office. However, if he's aiming for something a little more modest that keeps him in Kansas City at a fair price tag, then we're talking.
Jones knows this his last, best chance to receive a major payday. The timing lines up, as he just cross the 30-year-old threshold. However, defensive line isn't necessarily a position which shows a giant dip in production as a player enters his 30's. As for Brett Veach, he's made his position clear. He won't trade Jones under any circumstances.
He's also not going to jeopardize the dynasty he's built for one player, and that's the issue at hand.
Chiefs Rumors: Is Clyde Edwards-Helaire trade bait?
The Kansas City Chiefs have a surplus at the running back position. That's not an insult to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who could still have a role on this team if KC decides to hold onto him after training camp.
CEH is a former first-round pick out of LSU. However, given the emergence of Isiah Pacheco, there's no real need to keep a starting-level player on the roster if he has potential suitors on the trade market.
I outlined Edwards-Helaire as potential trade bait in an article on Thursday:
"Clyde Edwards-Helaire was once viewed as the future at the position. However, with the emergence of players like Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon, Edwards-Helaire's place in this offense is in question.
If he's on the roster come the start of the season, Edwards-Helaire will see limited touches, as was the case near the end of last season and the playoffs. Yet, he's still young and talented enough to contribute for another team. Why not deal him for a late-round pick?"
Edwards-Helaire himself seems to know his future is up in the air. He can only control what he does on the practice field.
"I can't think two years ahead from now or the position I will be in 12 months from now," Edwards-Helaire said. "It was really coming in and figuring out and seeing the things I can work on and from that point on rolling with it. I know what I have to do in order to get on the field and do the things I need to do this year."
If CEH is as valuable as the Chiefs say he is, it would make sense to trade him while his value is still high.
