It was always going to be an uphill battle for Carson Steele to make the final Kansas City Chiefs roster, and that quest has come to an end. According to KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson, the depth back has been cut from the Chiefs' roster as the final 53-man decisions have been made.
#Chiefs releasing fullback-running back Carson Steele, per a league source @KPRC2 Downhill player, good balance on contact
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2025
Isiah Pacheco is obviously safe as the future at the position, and the emergence of Brashard Smith further complicated things. Veterans Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt both had accomplished resumes, leaving Steele as the easy cut as the final rosters are locked into place. It is a difficult choice, but one that needed to be made for a player who was a great story a season ago.
Chiefs Make Expected Move Releasing Running Back Carson Steele
For Steele, it is unlikely that this is the end based on his 2024 experience. Whether it is a landing spot as depth elsewhere or on the KC practice squad, it would be a surprise if another opportunity doesn't come about. The Chiefs did a nice job developing Steele, but they simply have more proven options that are deserving of a roster spot.
Being a perennial Super Bowl contender is great; Kansas City has been in the position for half a decade, understanding the long-term stress of being chased by the league. It demands that production is valued over stories, helping understand why Steele never had a real shot at making the roster.
Wilson praised Steele's talent in his report, making it obvious how much progress the back has made, and that there is still a future for the former Chief. Whether it is landing on a practice squad or becoming a surprise final roster piece, the talent is there for the career to continue at least for another season.
For the Chiefs, it was simply a matter of more proven options giving you higher upside on an offense looking to take a step forward. Much was made about how few explosive plays the Chiefs offered throughout the 2024 season. This didn't stop the team from making the Super Bowl and remaining a clear threat in the AFC.
Steele isn't going to contribute to this effort, furthering the reasons why the Chiefs needed to turn the page. Smith and Pacheco both have big-play ability and are the future of the franchise at the position.