The Kansas City Chiefs are trimming their roster, and with that comes surprising decisions like parting ways with 2024 undrafted free agent Carson Steele. Steele, who plays fullback but moonlights as a running back and even kick returner, rushed for 183 yards on 56 carries during the 2024 regular season.
Chiefs Make Waves With Deadline Decision on RB/FB Carson Steele
Carson Steele Exits Chiefs (For Now)
Steele also caught seven passes for 26 yards, but was shut out during the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl. What comes next for Steele remains unclear, but news of his release created a buzz on social media.
“Sources: The #Chiefs are releasing RB/FB Carson Steele,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on X on August 26.
The undrafted rookie Carson Steele really ran right over everybody 😳
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/nU5IRfTl5F— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
Steele has quickly developed into a fan favorite for his aesthetic, playing style, and versatility.
He was in Year 2 of a three-year, $2.8 million contract. According to Over The Cap, the Chiefs will save less than $1 million while incurring no dead money penalties by cutting Steele at this point in the calendar.
Chiefs Prediction Comes True for Carson Steele
Steele was one of two noteworthy Chiefs cuts at running back that The Athletic’s Jesse Newell projected for the cutdowns to the 53-player limit.
Starter Isiah Pacheco and RB2 Kareem Hunt return and are joined by rookie seventh-round draft pick Brashard Smith. The Chiefs selected Smith with the No. 228 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Newell does not believe the Chiefs’ RB room is complete, though.
“Smith, a former receiver in college, should be more of a wideout/running back hybrid player as opposed to someone who will be asked to line up and take carries out of the backfield,” Newell wrote on August 23. “Don’t be surprised … if the Chiefs look to the trade market or waivers for an upgrade. On top of the wish list would be a third-down back with receiving skills who also could be trusted to protect Mahomes on pass-blocking downs.”
YOU WERE NOT TACKLING CARSON STEELE ON THIS PLAY!
📺: #CHIvsKC on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tGkoXMqFsf— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2024
Newell also projected the Chiefs would cut 2025 free agent signing and former San Francisco Chiefs back Elijah Mitchell, but he has so far avoided Steele’s fate.
Former Chiefs Super Bowl Champion Hits Free Agency
While Steele makes his (potentially short) exit from the Chiefs, another former KC playmaker also finds himself on the open market looking for work. Three-time Super Bowl champion and one-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mecole Hardman was released by the Green Bay Packers.
“Sources: #Packers releasing WR Mecole Hardman,” Schultz reported in another post.
Mecole Hardman in 1-on-1s 🔥🔥#Packers | #Colts pic.twitter.com/xIU0CE3qr7
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) August 14, 2025
Hardman recorded 90 yards on 12 receptions in 12 games last season. He would provide depth whenever the NFL suspends Rashee Rice.
In two stints with the Chiefs spanning five-plus seasons, Hardman has a 177-2,296-16 line. He adds another speedster to a group that already includes 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy and rookie fourth-rounder Jalen Royals.
The Texans had several noteworthy players make their final roster.
Along with undrafted rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald, former New England Patriots second-round wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has survived The Turk.
Steele could always find his way back to the Chiefs as a member of the practice squad. He must first clear waivers. That means avoiding piquing other teams’ interest. Teams can begin signing players to the practice squad on Wednesday.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
