The Kansas City Chiefs continue to tinker with their 53-man roster. On Monday, they put claims on a pair of defensive players, who will now be placed on the active roster. That means two players will either head to injured reserve or be released.
4:06 PM: Updated Roster Cuts
As we speculated yesterday, when the Kansas City Chiefs trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 53-man roster, they’d add talent via the initial waiver wire. That system mirrors the recent NFL draft, so the Chiefs had the ninth selection on every player, provided no team ahead of them claimed their new defensive players.
Joining the Chiefs today is San Francisco 49ers’ 320-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle, Bryson Eason. He was an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee and was a solid contributor for the 49ers in the preseason. The NFC West team had hoped he’d clear waivers, but the Chiefs felt strongly that, even though he won’t create much pass rush, he’s a short-yardage specialist who can dominate inside.
With Omar Norman-Lott remaining on the PUP until the Chiefs return after their Bye Week in October, this addition adds to a defensive line that is in the midst of a major overhaul. Sadly, fan favorite Marcus Harris was cut to make room for Eason.
Linebacker Jack Plyburn had an incredible preseason, leading the NFL with four sacks. He had been flirting with going back to LSU in the wild world of college football, but that’s a moot point. In fact, his agents told LSU he’s withdrawing his 5-for-5 litigation, which opened the door for his return to the SEC.
He’s a strong, physical player who gives the Chiefs another pass rusher and insurance for Ashton Gillotte, who might need a few weeks to be in game shape. To make room for the Chiefs’ new edge rusher, the team waived cornerback Kevin Knowles.
I’m actually shocked that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers let him enter the waiver pool, because he’s a warrior on defense. In fact, with the Chiefs having him for three more seasons after 2026, he could become a valuable defensive tool for Steve Spagnuolo. General Manager Brett Veach saw him play when the Chiefs visited the Bucs in the preseason.
With these additions, the off-season goal to beef up the middle of the defense and increase the sack meter for the 2026 season is certainly heading in the right direction.
Up next, the Kansas City Chiefs will begin the process of filling out their 16-Man practice squad. Chiefs Blitz has confirmed that veteran edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah will be one of those practice squad players. He had a strong preseason, and his release yesterday was just a formality.
