The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed DE Ethan Hurkett, according to the NFL’s official personnel notice from Saturday, Aug. 1.

Hurkett originally joined the team as one of 20 undrafted free agents to sign following the 2026 NFL Draft. Hurkett was released following the team’s rookie minicamp. However, with a season-ending ACL injury for DE/LB Ethan Downs and a hamstring injury for DE Ashton Gillotte, Hurkett now gets another shot.

The 24-year-old Hurkett is listed at 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds, boasting inside/outside flexibility from the edge rusher position. He recorded 92 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles over the past two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Hurkett gets another chance to impress the Chiefs and live out his dream

Hurkett’s last stay in Kansas City didn’t last very long. He was effectively on the roster for the team’s three-day rookie minicamp. Then, when the Chiefs signed three tryout players following camp, Hurkett was released. Just like that, his NFL dream was over. At least temporarily.

Now, Hurkett will get another chance to impress the coaching staff. He’ll likely earn an opportunity to play during the preseason, which could help him stick elsewhere in the NFL, if not with the Chiefs.

Chiefs’ decision to re-sign Hurkett speaks volumes to the severity of Gillotte’s injury

If Ashton Gillotte’s injury was something that would see him miss significant time, the Chiefs likely would’ve gone for a more impactful signing at edge rusher. There are still quite a few veterans out there who could come in and immediately compete for a starting role. That’s seemingly not what this signing is a bout for Kansas City.

Hurkett is the type who is going to increase competition at the bottom of the roster. At best, he’s a practice squad candidate for the team. The reality is that he’s there to ensure that they’ve got enough players in the rotation during the course of a training camp.