Chiefs Roster: Can wideout Nikko Remigio make the final roster in 2024?

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason determined to improve their wide receiver corps. With high-profile additions like free-agent Hollywood Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy, the team has made significant strides.

But one more player hopes his name can be added to the mix during Kansas City’s training camp: second-year wide receiver Nikko Remigio.

The undrafted free agent impressed during last year’s training camp — and turned in a stellar performance during his first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, when he led the team with four receptions for 71 yards. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2023 preseason. Waived with an injury designation at the final cutdown, he was moved to the team’s Reserve/Injured list the following day. There he spent the remainder of the season.

Entering the 2024 season fully healthy, Remigio has picked up where he left off. Throughout the offseason, he’s been creating buzz around his name — and capturing the attention of key figures like quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“He just works extremely hard,” the quarterback told reporters after Friday’s training camp practice at Missouri Western University in St. Joseph. “He’s always asking the right questions. [He] always wants to get extra work. That’s what you want.

“He’s a true pro’s pro. He just comes to work every single day with a smile on his face. He wants to work hard and get better and better — and it’s not like he’s going out there and hating on someone else. He wants everybody to get better with him. That’s why everybody loves him in that room.

“You’ve seen the positive signs coming every single day — and he continues to get better.”

Despite his work ethic, securing a spot on the roster will be an uphill battle for Remigio, who is competing against a crowded wide receiver room. Brown, Worthy, Rashee Rice and Justin Watson are likely locks to make the team, leaving Remigio to compete against Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, fellow camp standout Justyn Ross and recently re-signed Chiefs veteran (and Super Bowl LVIII hero) Mecole Hardman for the final spots on the depth chart.

Special teams play could be the key to Remigio’s roster hopes. During his senior season at Fresno State, he excelled as a punt returner, amassing 259 yards on 13 attempts and two touchdowns — one of which was a slick 87-yarder. His skill as a returner could set him apart from the competition. During last month’s OTAs, special teams coordinator Dave Toub referred to Remigio as the team’s “No. 1 kick returner.”

As the Chiefs aim for what could potentially be their third consecutive Super Bowl win, there will be a critical need for determined and hungry players like Remigio. While he’s trending in the right direction, he still has a long way to go before the 53-man roster is set on August 27. To make his best argument for a roster spot, must continue his upward trajectory — and stay healthy.

Fortunately, his work ethic and infectious personality have given him a head start. Everyone on the team is rooting for his success.

“[He’s a] smart, hard worker,” head coach Andy Reid said of Remigio on Friday. “He tries his best on every play. You could tell he studies because he knows all the spots. He’s got a great, positive attitude.

“Those are the kind of guys you pull for.”