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Chiefs: Lucas Niang becomes first rookie to opt out of 2020 season

By Cory Kinnan

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 9: Kyle Hicks #21 runs the ball behind the blocking of Lucas Niang #77 of the TCU Horned Frogs during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 9: Kyle Hicks #21 runs the ball behind the blocking of Lucas Niang #77 of the TCU Horned Frogs during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Lucas Niang will wait another season before suiting up for the Chiefs

Looking to potentially upgrade their offensive line at a cheaper cost, the Kansas City Chiefs selected TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang with the 96th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Given they have now paid Chris Jones and Patrick Mahomes big money this offseason, they will have to look to cut costs somewhere else; may believe that will be in the form of left tackle Eric Fisher.

Niang becomes first rookie to opt out

While the Chiefs were going to ease Niang into action, potentially sitting him all of 2020 barring an injury anyway, they will have to wait until 2021 to see him on the field regardless. Niang has become the first rookie in the NFL to opt out of the season due to lingering pandemic concerns.

While the Chiefs would have potentially preferred he train and get reps in the building, especially coming off of a significant hip injury, they will now trust he is putting in the work away from the facilities. However, it is hard to disrespect the decision of a young man looking out for what is best for his health, even as a rookie.

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How the Chiefs will adjust

Again, while Niang was not expected to start right away in 2020 along the Kansas City offensive front, he could have potentially served as a swing tackle and spot starter in case of injuries. The Chiefs have taken quite the hit to their offensive line this offseason, as Niang joins starting guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif as players who have opted out along their line.

The Chiefs also let spot starter and swingman Cam Erving walk in free agency, signing with the Dallas Cowboys. While Erving has been a bust in every meaning of the word since hearing his name called in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he at least knew the system and provided valuable reps off the bench for Kansas City.

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As the Chiefs look to repeat as NFL champions again in 2020, they will have to act quickly along their offensive line with Duvernay-Tardif, and now Niang opting out. After paying Mahomes all that money, the Cheifs must now find a way to keep him safe and upright.

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