These five 53-man roster cut casualties can make the Chiefs better in 2025 and beyond, if Kansas City can claim or sign them
The Kansas City Chiefs can still seek to improve their 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
The Kansas City Chiefs have assembled their first iteration of the 53-man roster, but this group is only temporary. It’s not uncommon for the Chiefs to make a few different additions shortly after cuts, as many players become available on the waiver wire and as unrestricted free agents.
The team is allowed to immediately add vested veteran players who did not have to pass through waivers to the 53-man roster. As of 11:00 a.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 27, the waiver wire claim period will expire. Despite having 31st priority on the waiver wire, it’s still possible that the Chiefs can claim players on waivers. They’ve done so in the past, even with 32nd priority on waivers. All of that is to say that this team is likely not done making additions to the 53-man roster.
Below you’ll find a look at several players waived or released during 53-man roster cuts who have caught my eye for the Chiefs.
Giants DT/FB Elijah Chatman
The Chiefs could kill two birds with one stone here. Chatman is undersized for a defensive tackle, at 6-foot and 285 pounds. He’s somewhere between Khalen Saunders and Tershawn Wharton on the defensive side of the ball, but his actual value is in his versatility and ability to play offense. We all know that Andy Reid likes having a fullback on the roster, and with Carson Steele waived, they’ve got a need there. Chatman has become known as a bit of a human highlight reel for his ability at fullback.
Ravens CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Armour-Davis found himself in a bit of a dog fight for a roster spot in Baltimore and was cut despite a strong preseason. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds, Armour-Davis allowed four receptions on 10 targets for just 37 yards during the preseason, according to PFF. He also notched an interception against Washington. The former fourth-round draft choice is a fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme as an outside press-man cornerback.
Bucs WR Trey Palmer
With seven receivers who legitimately belong on the 53-man roster, I’m not sure there’s a place for Palmer. I’m also not sure that he’d make it to Kansas City on the waiver wire, given how many teams have wide receiver needs right now. However, the former Nebraska Cornhusker has 51 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns during his career. He’s only entering his third year in the NFL and still has a promising career ahead of him.
Seahawks RB Damien Martinez
The Chiefs hosted Martinez on a top-30 visit ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. He was picked just five slots ahead of where Kansas City selected SMU RB Brashard Smith. This team has legitimate short-term and long-term needs at the running back position, so claiming a seventh-round pick with multiple years left of control has to have some serious appeal.
Cardinals RB Michael Carter
Carter was a standout during the preseason, but found himself in a crowded Arizona running back room.
Here’s what I wrote about Carter after news that the Chiefs were calling around about running backs broke:
“Of all the potential fits, I might like Carter the most. He had no pressures allowed on six pass-blocking snaps and a perfect five-for-five receiving through two preseason games. With guys like James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demarcado, DeeJay Dallas, and Bam Knight also in the room, Carter feels like the odd man out. They might not even have to trade to acquire him.“
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