The Kansas City Chiefs are in one of the busiest times of the year. Teams always have to take risks when they release players on roster cutdown day, because you won''t be able to keep everyone that you want on the practice squad.
That's what makes it sting all the more when someone takes a coveted developmental player. Considering that the Chiefs are also dealing with the fallout of Rashee Rice's suspension news, it's safe to say there is a lot to do. While Kansas City has made some signings of its own, it's lost some guys, too.
Unfortunately, someone that most fans wanted to keep on the 53-man roster slipped through their fingers and was claimed on waivers after the Chiefs released him.
Well, this should go over well in KC.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) August 27, 2025
I'm told Esa Pole was notified after the waiver deadline that he indeed had been claimed — at least by the Jets.
He's as surprised as I (and now you) are. The deadline had passed, and he was notified afterward.
Chiefs Undrafted Rookie OT Esa Pole Claimed by Jets on Waivers
According to Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star, undrafted rookie tackle Esa Pole was claimed on waivers, at least by the New York Jets. Pole was surprised, as the deadline to be claimed had already passed before he was notified. The snaffu cost the Chiefs a priority, though they managed to bring back other players like Mike Edwards in the process.
After thinking he'd be going to the Chiefs' practice squad, Pole will now pack his bags and head to New York. The 6-foot-7, 319-pound Washington State product was a standout in college, not surrendering a single sack at left tackle in 2024. He's raw, but played well during the summer and training camp, so there was a thought they had at least a small chance to make the roster.
Instead, the Chiefs went with swing tackle Wanya Morris, who has starting experience in the league and can pay on both sides of the line. Even still, Pole's size, athleticism and potential had the city buzzing as roster cutdown day approached.
There are a lot of moves left to happen, and general manager Brett Veach is always diligent about finding players. Fans may be disappointed to lose Pole, though there will inevitably be someone new the Chiefs are excited about. The big surprise was that Kansas City kept eight receivers but with Rice's supension, they'll have an extra roster spot to elevate someone with or sign someone.
It'll be interesting to see how the team utilizes the additional position, though an offensive lineman or tight end would make sense given the smaller numbers at those spots on the roster. Pole may have been a candidate, so it's unfortunate that the Chiefs weren't able to sneak him through waivers.