Nelson signed with the Chiefs' practice squad Monday. Nelson announced his retirement in June, despite having a strong 2023 campaign at just 30 years of age. Last season he tied a career best with four interceptions and recorded 63 combined tackles, which had been his most since 2018. He'll now work to prove he's in good enough shape to take the field again with Kansas City and earn a promotion to their active roster.
Nelson is expected to visit the Chiefs on Monday to potentially set up joining Kansas City for the stretch run of the season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Nelson became a free agent following the end of Houston's playoff run last season and announced his retirement in June. However, he appears to be gearing up for a return to the league -- possibly with the team that drafted him out of Oregon State in 2015. Nelson remained effective in his age-30 campaign last year, playing in all 17 regular-season games for the Texans and tallying 63 tackles (48 solo) along with 12 pass defenses, including four interceptions. He also started in both of Houston's playoff contests and returned an interception for a touchdown in a wild-card round win against Cleveland. If Nelson does end up reuniting with the Chiefs, he'd be joining the organization he spent his first four NFL campaigns with.
Nelson retired from the NFL on Sunday, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports. The cornerback retired after a 2023 season in which he intercepted four passes, broke up 12 in total and helped the Texans make the playoffs. Nelson said that he wanted to spend more time with family. The 2015 third-round pick played nine seasons with the Chiefs, Steelers, Eagles and Texans, recording 456 tackles and 13 interceptions.