Carson Steele

Chiefs Trim Roster to 53: Elijah Mitchell Beats Out Promising rookie, ​Veterans Fall Victim to Cuts

Kansas city, MO – August 27, 2025 ‍ -⁤ The Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 53-man roster on Tuesday, ⁤making several tough decisions as they prepare to defend their championship title. The most notable move saw veteran running back Elijah Mitchell secure a spot, while second-year player Carson Steele was released, despite a promising ​start to ‌his career.

“Everybody ‍can’t ⁣make the team,” a somber Andy Reid acknowledged.”ItS a tough day.That’s not part of the job you like, but inevitably you got to almost cut half a team. So, that’s not⁢ an easy thing.”

The ‌running back position proved to be‍ fiercely ⁢competitive.Steele, ⁢an undrafted free agent ⁢who impressed in the 2024 preseason and ‌even started three games following Isiah Pacheco‘s injury,​ ultimately fell short. He failed to capitalize on a crucial 4th and 1 attempt in the recent preseason, while Mitchell⁣ demonstrated his value with a touchdown against the Chicago Bears.

Mitchell: A familiar, Explosive ⁤Option

The Chiefs’ decision to retain Mitchell, signed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, reflects a calculated gamble. ⁢General Manager Brett Veach drew parallels between Mitchell and former Chief jerick McKinnon, noting his ‌potential to be an “explosive dynamic”⁢ in both the running and ‌passing ⁢game.

However,Veach also acknowledged Mitchell’s injury history -⁢ the running back has twice landed on injured reserve with knee⁤ and hamstring issues in his four-year career. “It’s not a secret with him. He’s​ got to stay healthy,” Veach stated.

The Chiefs will now rely on a ​running back room consisting of Mitchell, Pacheco,⁢ Kareem Hunt, and rookie brashard Smith⁢ – a converted receiver drafted earlier this year.The team also saw former first-round pick Clyde ⁣Edwards-Helaire released by⁤ the⁣ new Orleans Saints.Vested Veterans Also‌ Face the Axe

Beyond the running back competition, the Chiefs⁣ also released three vested veterans: safety Mike Edwards, defensive tackle Mike Pennel, and tight end Robert Tonyan. Mike Edwards: Signed⁢ this offseason to a one-year, $1.338 million ⁢deal, Edwards’ departure signals a shift in the safety corps.
Mike Pennel: An 11-year veteran and Super Bowl LIV champion, Pennel’s position was threatened by​ the signing⁢ of Derrick N