The Kansas City Chiefs are led by high-profile stars like quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive lineman Chris Jones, and have won three Super Bowl titles with their current corps of tested veterans.
But, after Kansas City’s defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs will rely on up-and-coming talents to buoy their success for another season in 2025.
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As Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones continue to provide Kansas City’s coaching staff with consistency, these seven lesser-known contributors could prove to be the Chiefs’ most underrated assets next season:
FB Carson Steele
Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele (42) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The touchdown would be called back. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Though Steele struggled to find his footing in three starts last season, fans should expect the former UCLA Bruin to push for a spot on Kansas City’s roster in 2025.
WR Nikko Remigio
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) makes a catch against the Buffalo Bills during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Remigio has been a constant presence on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster and practice squad since 2023 and earned his first start in the NFL last season.
TE Jared Wiley
Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jared Wiley (12) catches a pass and is tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Reddy Steward (46) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Wiley’s rookie season was derailed by a torn ACL. While it remains unlikely that Wiley will return in time for Kansas City’s regular season debut, fans should expect to see him return to the field in time for the playoffs.
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OL Hunter Nourzad
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) takes a snap from center Hunter Nourzad (60) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Kansas City’s decision to trade veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney may give Nourzad the chance he needs to push for playing time next season.
DL Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (97) and fumbles the ball during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Anudike-Uzomah wouldn’t usually be considered an “underrated” player, given his status as a former first-round pick. However, the former Kansas State Wildcat is still just 23 years old, and he showed signs of development as a pass-rusher last season on Kansas City’s loaded defensive line.
LB Cole Christiansen
Jul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cole Christiansen (48) walks down the hill from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Christiansen is one of the Chiefs’ most impactful players on special teams and may be a force his way onto Kansas City’s 53-man roster with strong performances in training camp and the preseason.
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DB Jaden Hicks
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 21: Jaden Hicks #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass intended for Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans in the first quarter of a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Hicks enters his second season in the NFL with sky-high expectations. Given veteran safety Justin Reid’s departure from Kansas City in free agency, Hicks seems primed to compete for a starting spot in the Chiefs’ defense next season.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: These 7 players will be Chiefs’ most underrated assets in 2025