The Kansas City Chiefs had some tough decisions to make in the wide receiver room at roster cuts.

For the first time since Andy Reid’s arrival, the team kept seven receivers on the 53-man roster. Even then, the team had to say goodbye to a talented player in Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who led the team in receiving yards (195) and receiving touchdowns (2) this preseason.

“It was really tough because we had a bunch of young players, a bunch of talented players, and a bunch of players that provide different elements to the game for us,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said. “You talk about (Carolina Panthers WR) Ihmir (Smith-Marsette) and he was the guy who took advantage of every opportunity. It goes back to what coach always says you know, one – take the decision out of our hands and then two – this is also an audition for all (other) 31 teams. You know, Ihmir certainly made the most of that opportunity. We typically keep five or six wideouts and with the progressions of Justyn Ross and then having Ihmir Smith-Marsette come in here and answer the call and make plays every preseason game, credit to the kid.”

The Chiefs made the decision to trade Smith-Marsette to the Carolina Panthers because it was in their best interest, but also in his best interest. While the team would have loved to keep him, it wasn’t feasible with the numbers situation. This was the next best thing because the team was able to get an asset in return, and Smith-Marsette was set up to make a 53-man roster on another team.

“When I called to talk to him to tell him about the trade, I told him that he’s earned this and he has a chance to not have to worry and stress on that cut-down day because when a team trades for you, you know you made a roster,” Veach said. “Not only that, but I think he has a good chance to be active. There’s one element where these guys want to make an active roster, but then they want to be active on game day. So, he put himself in a position, came in here with the right mindset and although the receiver room was very crowded and the odds were against him, he just went out and put the blinders on and took advantage of every opportunity he had. (He) made it tough on us, but then also showcased his talent to those other teams and I’m sure there are a few other teams that would’ve put in a claim for him, maybe they didn’t want to trade with us."

“And then Carolina, credit to them for reaching out just to make sure they get him even though they were high on the claim. Now he has a chance to not only be on a 53-man roster but go out there and prove something on Sundays so certainly happy for him and wishing him nothing but the best.”

Kadarius Toney & L’Jarius Sneed won’t go on IR