This is always one of the most interesting times on the NFL's calendar, as virtually every franchise has something to be excited about. With most rookie minicamps concluding following the NFL Draft, there are always intriguing new players who could make an impact.
That's certainly the case for the Kansas City Chiefs, whose seemingly successful work in the draft should keep the roster fresh and without many holes. However, adding those guys means some veterans will have to go. It's a great opportunity, but rosters only have so much space.
To that point, the Chiefs just released a veteran defensive back whom they only signed in March, ending his Kansas City tenure before it even really began.
Chiefs Release CB Robert Rochell Less Than Two Months After Signing Him
As Chiefs insider Matt Derrick pointed out, the team's website announced they released cornerback Robert Rochell. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, the 27-year-old joined the organization in late March, yet was let go to free up a spot for a tryout player from minicamp or a veteran free agent.
Rochell spent the last two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, appearing in 20 games, albeit sparingly. He ranked 123rd out of 222 qualified cornerbacks in 2024 at Pro Football Focus, though he's primarily been a special-teams player when he's gotten on the field.
For the Chiefs, this isn't particularly surprising. The secondary is crowded following the numerous young players they've taken in recent drafts, including Nohl Williams from this year's class. There was never any real chance that Rochell would make the final roster, so it makes sense to let him try to catch on somewhere else in the summer.
Kansas City remains focused on fielding the best possible 53-man group once Week 1 rolls around. It was wise to give Rochell a chance, yet it's clear the coaching staff wasn't impressed enough once they saw some of the other intriguing players throughout minicamp.