The middle of June is almost here as organized team activities (OTAs) around the NFL are finished as mandatory minicamps begin. At least that's the case for teams that aren't the Kansas City Chiefs, who are still holding OTA sessions throughout the week to prepare for the start of their own minicamp on June 17.
As usual, it hasn't taken long for OTAs to give Andy Reid's coaching staff a good idea of how his roster is shaping up after February's Super Bowl loss. While some rookies and veterans have capitalized on their opportunities, one recent Kansas City signing has been so unremarkable that he was kicked to the curb before OTAs could end.
The #Chiefs have waived DT Siaki Ika. The team signed TE Kevin Foelsch to the roster spot. @KSHB41 @41IsTheMic #ChiefsKingdom
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) June 11, 2025
Chiefs Cut DT Siaki Ika as OTAs Continue
On Wednesday afternoon, KSHB 41 News' Nick Jacobs reported that the Chiefs have waived defensive tackle Siaki Ika to create a roster spot for tight end Kevin Foelsch. The transaction marks the end of Ika's time in Kansas City after joining the practice squad in December before signing a reserve/future contract four months ago.
Ika's release is just another bump on what's been a rocky start to his NFL career. After being a two-time All-Big 12 defender and CFP National Champion, the 24-year-old DT has struggled to carve out a role for himself at the professional level.
Since being drafted 98th overall by the Browns in 2023, Ika has only made four appearances with each one coming during his rookie campaign. He didn't yield a single tackle across the 100 defensive snaps he played that year and finished with putrid Pro Football Focus grades regarding run stoppage (31.3) and overall defense (29.0).
The Chiefs hoped that playing under Reid would help bring out the best Ika has to offer, but that clearly didn't work out as intended. The Salt Lake City, UT native simply couldn't find a way to prove he belongs, even in a bench role, meaning he has to look for a fourth team to join to continue his NFL career despite only being drafted just over two years ago.
With the Chiefs OTAs continuing and minicamp just over the horizon, Siaki likely won't be the last cut Reid & Co. make before training camp begins. Kansas City needs to best roster possible after coming up short to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, meaning all excess fat must be trimmed if it means taking a step closer to championship glory.