Chiefs Release 2021 Fourth-Round Draft Pick in Surprising Move
The Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with 2021 fourth-round pick Joshua Kaindoh, a promising defensive end who couldn’t deliver on an exciting combination of power and speed.
Source: The #Chiefs have released former 2021 fourth-round draft pick Joshua Kaindoh. The team would like him back on the practice squad, should he clear waivers.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) August 29, 2023
Kaindoh has shown promise though, and the Chiefs hope to continue developing him if he clears waivers.
We saw some of Kaindoh’s improvements on display in the preseason, with him breaking through for a pivotal sack late in the contest.
Good rush here by Joshua Kaindoh on 3rd down. We were tough on him but he worked hard this preseason & with Omenihu out for 6 games, we think the #Chiefs may keep him & see if that size/speed/RAS combo can finally come together.🤷♂️ #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/0ygprYO7gB
— All Chief'd Up! (@AllChiefdUp) August 29, 2023
These kinds of pass rushes are what Kansas City envisioned when selecting Kaindoh in 2021. At 6’6″, 260 lbs, he could still develop into a reliable contributor down the line.
Questions remain about the Chiefs’ defensive line, as Chris Jones is still holding out, Charles Omenihu is suspended, and a lot of unproven bodies are filling the room now. It’s a bit surprising to see Kaindoh released given the uncertainty of the line, but with such a crowded roster, cuts had to come somewhere.
We’ll see if the Chiefs can get Kaindoh back on the practice squad. For now, the former fourth-rounder could represent an exciting project for a team in need of an athletic pass rusher.