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The Kansas City Chiefs have decided on a few big-name cut candidates ahead of the 53-man deadline on August 27. In a matter of moments, each were reported on X one after the other.
“On a day of players getting cut, here’s a fun story of one guy who made it,” NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shared on social media. “RB/FB Carson Steele is on the Chiefs’ initial 53-man roster.”
Steele’s official placement on the initial 53 was also confirmed by KPRC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Just after the Steele news, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs will waive former first-round wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Who is thought to “have a market elsewhere” on waivers.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini added that “the Chiefs tried to get a trade done” involving Toney but were unable to find a suitor that was willing to deal with them, per her sources.
Moments after Toney, another big-name wide receiver was cut. NFL insider Jordan Schultz relayed the news of Justyn Ross’ departure from the organization. He noted that “KC has a crowded receiver room, making it tough to keep everyone” — something Chiefs fans have known for several weeks.
The Chiefs also parted ways with veteran tight end Irv Smith Jr. and former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit on Tuesday afternoon, with many more cuts still to come.
Chiefs Cut RB Deneric Prince After Keeping Carson Steele
Not long after the Steele cut, 2023 undrafted running back Deneric Prince suffered the opposite fate.
“The Chiefs are cutting Deneric Prince, per a league source,” KC Star beat reporter Sam McDowell informed.
This move was expected by most after the emergence of Steele. Of course, there was a chance that Kansas City decided to keep four running backs — or place Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the short-term injured reserve — but the more likely reality was always that one UDFA talent beat out the other.
Steele, a 2024 prospect, stole Prince’s job right out from under him during the preseason by averaging over 7.9 yards per carry. Not to mention his versatility as a blocker and his budding special teams impact.
The latter could still rejoin the organization as a member of the practice squad, but he’ll have to pass through waivers first. Then, even if he does go unclaimed, Prince must choose to re-sign in KC rather than another organization after being cut for the second straight summer.
Chiefs WR Cuts Are Good News for Skyy Moore
There are still players that have yet to be cut, but the decision to part ways with both Toney and Ross is certainly good news for 2022 second rounder Skyy Moore.
After beginning the offseason as a trade possibility and eventual cut candidate, Moore has done well to solidify his spot on both offense and special teams. And part of that is his coachability.
While a prospect like Ross has struggled to figure out the playbook in year three, Moore knows it well. Stuff like that matters to a coaching staff headed by Andy Reid.
Moore has also come on strong as a kick returner under the new format, averaging over 33.6 yards per return during the preseason according to Football Database.
That kick return average finished first for the entire Chiefs roster, besting second-year UDFA Nikko Remigio by under a yard. Steele also ranked third in this regard, by the way, with competition like Rees-Zammit and Prince finishing lower down on the list.
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