NFL Kansas City Chiefs: 10 Players Who May Not Return in 2012

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After a slow slow start to the 2011 season, it becomes more obvious as to which players will spend their last moments as a Kansas City Chief this year.

Some players are not doing well while others may be in the final year of their contract and will either be let go or won't have any interest in returning.

In seasons like this, fans are eager to get the season over with and see their team get a fresh start for the following year.

Which 10 players do you think will leave before the 2012 season?

Ryan Succop, K

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Ryan Succop struggled making long-range field goals coming into this season. His biggest issue this year is remaining consistent.

Succop has made two of five field goal attempts this season, missing kicks from 49, 44 and 38 yards out.

Chiefs fans thought that the kicker curse in Kansas City was over after seeing Succop's performance during his rookie season. It turns out Succop brought back the curse.

Had Succop made his 38-yard field goal attempt this past Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, the game could have been tied at 20.

Succop is currently in the final year of his contract, but he still has 13 games to redeem himself. Succop is the sixth kicker to play for the Chiefs since 2004.

Chances of returning: Doubtful

Sabby Piscitelli, S

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Sabby Piscitelli has received a lot of action this season due to the loss of Eric Berry to a torn ACL. He got his start in the league this past Sunday for the first time since 2009.

Piscitelli has been working alongside veteran Jon McGraw and second-year safety Kendrick Lewis to help replace Berry. But not even those three together are good enough to help Kansas City.

Provided that Berry completely recovers from his injury going into the 2012 OTAs, Piscitelli may no longer be part of the team.

Chances of returning: Doubtful

Jovan Belcher, ILB

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Jovan Belcher's size and stature do not compare well to most inside linebackers who play in the 3-4 defense.

Belcher has started 20 of the last 23 games for the Chiefs and has not played a big role in helping the team. However, the Chiefs have been thin at linebacker, outside of Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson. Once the Chiefs find a more operable linebacker to work with Johnson, Belcher's time in Kansas City may be up.

Chances of returning: Questionable

Glenn Dorsey, DE

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Anyone who has followed the Chiefs closely knows that Glenn Dorsey's transition to the 3-4 defense has not been one he has enjoyed considering his time playing defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme.

While playing defensive end in a 3-4 scheme isn't the most notable position in the world, Dorsey has not been able to play it very well.

Dorsey, who signed a five-year contract worth $51 million, has shown flashes of promise; but consistency at defensive end continues to be a problem.

Including this season, Dorsey has two years remaining on his contract; and it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs decide to keep him for one more year.

Chances of returning: Likely

Tyson Jackson, DE

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Tyson Jackson was the first draft pick selected by the new Chiefs regime.

As opposed to Dorsey, Jackson was considered to be the best 3-4 defensive end entering the 2008 draft. But, like Dorsey, Jackson has also had the same experience while struggling.

With Wallace Gilberry continuing to play well for the Chiefs, Jackson knows his back is against the wall and he must improve his level of play soon.

Chances of returning: Questionable

Casey Wiegmann, C

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At 38 years old, Casey Wiegmann has gotten off to a slow start, after a successful 2010 season in which he returned for his second stint with the Chiefs.

Wiegmann's age may be slowing him down, as he has been beat a couple of times this season. It may be soon that we see rookie Rodney Hudson take over and let the aging Wiegmann go.

Chances of returning: Doubtful

Tyler Palko, QB

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There is not a lot to say about Tyler Palko, considering that he is a backup.

With the draft selection of Ricky Stanzi, it is expected that Palko will be let go while Stanzi continues to unfold as a player in the NFL.

Chances of returning: Doubtful

Thomas Jones, RB

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Character is the only thing that separates Thomas Jones from Larry Johnson. Other than that, Jones has been nothing but a kinder version of Johnson.

After averaging 3.7 yards per carry average last year, Jones has a 2.6 yards-per-carry average so far this year. It is hard to figure out why Todd Haley continues to hand the ball off to Jones when he has Dexter McCluster, who can pick up a lot of yards in few carries.

This was also an issue when Jamaal Charles was with the team prior to his injury, especially in 2010.

This is Jones' final season of his two-year contract. The end may be near for the 33-year-old.

Chances of returning: Doubtful

Matt Cassel, QB

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Here is a player Chiefs fans continue to dislike after a stellar 2010 season.

Matt Cassel tried to prove he was not a one-year wonder after having a spectacular 2008 season with the New England Patriots.

It turns out that Cassel cannot keep up with bigger defenses, hence why Chiefs fans are crying for Stanford's Andrew Luck.

The Chiefs front office have a big decision to make with their quarterbacks as it looks very likely that they will receive a high draft pick.

Chances of returning: Questionable

Dwayne Bowe, WR

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Jamaal Charles, Derrick Johnson, Andy Studebaker and Brandon Flowers all received contract extensions in their final season in their respective contracts. Will the Chiefs follow suit with Dwayne Bowe?

He continues to limit his mistakes and lead the team as the top receiving target. He is trying to prove that last year was no fluke for him so he can earn a contract extension and stay in Kansas City for another five to six years.

If Bowe evolves into a more elite receiver, the Chiefs must do everything in their power to keep him.

Chances of returning: Questionable