The Kansas City Chiefs are still in the thick of their organized team activities (OTAs) as most of the NFL has already moved on to their respective mandatory minicamps. Few head coaches are as good at assessing talent as Andy Reid, especially after all the success he's had in Kansas City, meaning it doesn't take the Chiefs HC long to trim the excess fat if he knows a player is more detrimental than beneficial to the roster.
The Chiefs cutting veteran cornerback Robert Rochell last month is one example of how ruthless Reid can be. The former 2021 fourth-round pick was signed by Kansas City on March 28, only to be released from his contract on May 7.
After waiting for his next opportunity for over a month, the recently cut Chiefs CB has just landed a new chance to play.
Former Chiefs CB Robert Rochell Lands Cowboys Tryout
On Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys revealed that Rochell will be a part of their latest offseason tryouts. The signing comes on the latest day of the Cowboys' minicamp, leaving time to tell if the former Chiefs defender can impress head coach Brian Schottenheimer enough to extend his opportunity into training camp.
Dallas is trying out Rochell after its CB room was riddled with injuries last season. The Cowboys didn't have a cornerback play more than seven games in 2024, leading to their working out the failed Kansas City signing in hopes of adding some veteran depth to the secondary.
Only time will tell if Rochell can capitalize on his opportunity to find a long-term home with the Cowboys. The former Central Arkansas product has bounced around the league since being drafted 130th overall by the L.A. Rams in 2021, making stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Green Bay Packers before joining the Chiefs in free agency this spring.
After mostly playing CB snaps as a rookie, Rochell has been known more as a special teamer in recent seasons. Having said that, his play during kickoffs and punts hasn't been anything to write home about, proven by the 43.9 Pro Football Focus special teams grade he recorded in 11 games with the Packers last season.
It's going to be interesting to see if Rochell successfully proves himself to the Cowboys. Things didn't work out for the 27-year-old ballhawk in Kansas City, but that's likely because the Chiefs have a higher standard for their players than the Cowboys might.