The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with practice squad backfield option Carson Steele earlier this week, according to A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman. Parting ways with Steele was inevitable after a season of desperation in the Kansas City backfield, and Steele was never able to earn a chance as a blocker or to garner carries. This all stems from a season ago, when the project playmaker had issues with fumbles and only managed to average 3.3 yards on limited touches. With this in mind, it seemed like the right decision before the latest update had Chiefs fans second-guessing the news.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, "Former Chiefs RB Carson Steele is signing a futures deal with the Eagles, per his agent."
This isn't an ideal landing spot for Steele if you're Brett Veach and the Chiefs' front office, considering the talent along Philly's offensive line and the team's tendency to develop overlooked pieces. Beyond that success, the Eagles being the team to steal any piece from the Chiefs is far from ideal, considering the rivalry between the two teams over the last half-decade.
Jalen Hurts is the only active quarterback to have ever beaten Patrick Mahomes in a Super Bowl. Taking this a step further, only the Eagles and Bengals have beaten the Chiefs in a game that matters over the last few seasons. This makes it clear that Philadelphia is considered a rival, and stealing even a piece that the Chiefs willingly gave up isn't ideal.
Carson Steele Promptly Stolen by Hated Rival After Chiefs Release
For the Chiefs, the fear is that the Eagles will be able to take Steele and turn the rusher into a viable fullback. There is no denying Steele's physicality and desire to seek out contact. It would be very on brand for the Eagles to maximize this skill set and put it to use to help Philadelphia's Tush-Push play or as a lead blocker for star back Saquon Barkley.
It would be a frustrating development, leaving many Kansas City fans questioning the Chiefs' ability to develop the position. Isiah Pacheco regressed under the leadership of the Chiefs after suffering injuries, and it has been two years since there was a clear rushing option in the backfield. Steele was never going to be this; however, the back could have easily been turned into a blocker and a possible short-yardage weapon.
The Chiefs are left facing two less-than-ideal situations: either rooting against a former player with an exciting underdog story, or pulling for a once-exciting piece on a hated rival. The best case is Philadelphia opting to move on in the offseason and Steele finding a new landing spot to put his career back on track. Regardless, there is reason for slight regret over parting ways with a piece that a rival clearly sees potential in.