In a stunning turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs appear poised to part ways with wide receiver Justyn Ross, a player once heralded as a potential steal when he joined the team in the 2022 offseason. Ross, who was projected as a first-round draft pick before a spinal disorder derailed his draft stock, went undrafted and landed with the Chiefs. However, injuries and fierce competition have now put his roster spot in serious jeopardy.
Ross’s journey with Kansas City has been marred by setbacks. A foot injury sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, delaying his NFL debut until 2023. That year, he appeared in 10 games, starting one, and recorded six receptions for 53 yards. In 2024, his opportunities dwindled further, with just one target across two games and no catches to show for it. Despite the Chiefs’ willingness to give him chances, Ross has struggled to carve out a consistent role.
The Chiefs’ wide receiver room is now stacked with talent, making Ross’s path to the final 53-man roster an uphill battle. The starting trio of Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy is locked in, while rookie fourth-round pick Jalen Royals and veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster are likely to secure depth roles. This leaves, at best, one remaining spot, which Ross must compete for against players like Skyy Moore, Tyquan Thornton, and Nikko Remigio.
Remigio, in particular, poses a significant threat to Ross’s roster hopes. His ability to contribute as a returner on special teams gives him a valuable edge, something Ross has yet to demonstrate. The Chiefs’ depth chart is no longer the thin unit it was during Ross’s first two seasons, when the team struggled at wide receiver. Those years were Ross’s prime opportunities to prove himself, but he was unable to seize the moment.
The writing may be on the wall for the 25-year-old receiver. Even in seasons where Kansas City’s receiving corps lacked depth, Ross failed to make a meaningful impact. Now, with a bolstered group of pass-catchers in the Patrick Mahomes era, his chances of becoming a regular contributor appear slim. While a practice squad role remains a possibility, the dream of Ross unlocking his untapped potential with the Chiefs is fading fast.
The Chiefs took a calculated risk on Ross, hoping his raw talent could overcome his injury history. Unfortunately, it hasn’t panned out. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, this bold move to potentially cut ties with the $855,000 wideout signals their commitment to fielding a deeper, more competitive roster. For Ross, the clock is ticking to prove he still belongs in the NFL.