{"id":243924,"date":"2025-08-26T12:30:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T16:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=243924"},"modified":"2025-08-26T12:10:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T16:10:06","slug":"chiefs-steele-roster-cuts-deadline-hardman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/08\/26\/chiefs-steele-roster-cuts-deadline-hardman\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiefs Make Waves With Deadline Decision on Young Fan Favorite"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Chiefs are trimming their roster, and with that comes surprising decisions like parting ways with 2024 undrafted free agent <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/08\/23\/chiefs-predicted-to-part-ways-with-super-bowl-champion-fan-favorite-in-roster-cuts\/\" target=\"_self\">Carson Steele<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<h2>Chiefs Make Waves With Deadline Decision on RB\/FB Carson Steele<\/h2>\n<h3>Carson Steele Exits Chiefs (For Now)<\/h3>\n<p>Steele also caught seven passes for 26 yards, but was shut out during the Chiefs\u2019 run to the Super Bowl. What comes next for Steele remains unclear, but news of his release <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AaronWilson_NFL\/status\/1960360284415049814\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">created a buzz<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MySportsUpdate\/status\/1960363113611465210\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">social media<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSources: The #Chiefs are releasing RB\/FB Carson Steele,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Schultz_Report\/status\/1960362994287730844\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fox Sports\u2019 Jordan Schultz reported<\/a> on X on August 26.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The undrafted rookie Carson Steele really ran right over everybody \ud83d\ude33<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcfa: <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CINvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CINvsKC<\/a> on CBS\/Paramount<br \/>\ud83d\udcf1: <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/waVpO909ge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/waVpO909ge<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nU5IRfTl5F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/nU5IRfTl5F<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL\/status\/1835418971153293705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 15, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Steele has quickly <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/EdmarResurrecc1\/status\/1960362374361141340\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">developed into a fan favorite<\/a> for his aesthetic, playing style, and versatility.<\/p>\n<p>He was in Year 2 of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/91090\/carson-steele\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">three-year, $2.8 million contract<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/player\/carson-steele\/11920\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">According to Over The Cap<\/a>, the Chiefs will save less than $1 million while incurring no dead money penalties by cutting Steele at this point in the calendar.<\/p>\n<h3>Chiefs Prediction Comes True for Carson Steele<\/h3>\n<p>Steele was one of two noteworthy Chiefs cuts at running back that The Athletic\u2019s Jesse Newell projected for the cutdowns to the 53-player limit.<\/p>\n<p>Starter <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/09\/18\/chiefs-could-bring-back-super-bowl-winning-rb-after-isiah-pacheco-injury\/\" target=\"_self\">Isiah Pacheco<\/a> and RB2 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/21\/start-em-sit-em-week-12-chiefs-kareem-hunt-and-more\/\" target=\"_self\">Kareem Hunt<\/a> return and are joined by rookie seventh-round draft pick <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/06\/30\/chiefs-smith-draft-pacheco-mahomes-roster\/\" target=\"_self\">Brashard Smith<\/a>. The Chiefs selected Smith with the No. 228 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>Newell does not believe the Chiefs\u2019 RB room is complete, though.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSmith, 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,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6566774\/2025\/08\/23\/chiefs-roster-projection-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Newell wrote<\/a> on August 23. \u201cDon\u2019t be surprised \u2026 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">YOU WERE NOT TACKLING CARSON STEELE ON THIS PLAY!<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcfa: <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CHIvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CHIvsKC<\/a> on <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFLNetwork<\/a><br \/>\ud83d\udcf1: Stream on <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFLPlus<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/tGkoXMqFsf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/tGkoXMqFsf<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL\/status\/1826794207450677745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Newell also projected the Chiefs would cut 2025 free agent signing and former San Francisco Chiefs back <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/09\/12\/elijah-mitchell-49ers-victory-against-lions\/\" target=\"_self\">Elijah Mitchell<\/a>, but he has so far avoided Steele\u2019s fate.<\/p>\n<h3>Former Chiefs Super Bowl Champion Hits Free Agency<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_235518\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-235518\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-235518\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/mecole-hardman-cut-candidate-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-235518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up befor facing the Buffalo Bills.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/19\/mecole-hardman-signing-could-signal-nfl-blockbuster-christian-watson-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">Mecole Hardman<\/a> was released by the Green Bay Packers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSources: #Packers releasing WR Mecole Hardman,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Schultz_Report\/status\/1960362603441479951\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Schultz reported<\/a> in another post.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Mecole Hardman in 1-on-1s \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Packers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Packers<\/a>  |  <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Colts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Colts<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xIU0CE3qr7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/xIU0CE3qr7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ashleyjwashburn\/status\/1956084521260212640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Hardman recorded 90 yards on 12 receptions in 12 games last season. He would provide depth whenever the NFL suspends <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/07\/17\/chiefs-rice-jail-probation-crash-mahomes-worthy\/\" target=\"_self\">Rashee Rice<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/07\/17\/chiefs-worthy-reacts-mahomes-message-training-camp\/\" target=\"_self\">Xavier Worthy<\/a> and rookie fourth-rounder <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/05\/19\/chiefs-executive-explains-why-team-drafted-jalen-royals\/\" target=\"_self\">Jalen Royals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Texans had several noteworthy players make their final roster.<\/p>\n<p>Along with undrafted rookie linebacker <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/07\/29\/chiefs-mcduffie-cornerback-nickelback-training-camp\/\" target=\"_self\">Cooper McDonald<\/a>, former New England Patriots second-round wide receiver <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/16\/patriots-cut-tyquan-thornton-next-team-rumors\/\" target=\"_self\">Tyquan Thornton<\/a> has survived The Turk.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019 interest. Teams can begin signing players to the practice squad on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2879,"featured_media":243050,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[33118,32373,7811,33700,7984,9537,2234,4991,9349],"class_list":["post-243924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chiefs","tag-brashard-smith","tag-carson-steele","tag-chiefs-featured","tag-cooper-mcdonald","tag-elijah-mitchell","tag-isiah-pacheco","tag-kareem-hunt","tag-mecole-hardman","tag-tyquan-thornton"],"modified_by":"Josh Buckhalter","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2879"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243924"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":243926,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243924\/revisions\/243926"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/243050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}