Former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Cornell Powell has found a new home, signing with the Houston Texans. The former KC pass catcher spent the 2021-24 seasons with the Chiefs, spending the majority of this time on the practice squad. After leaving the franchise, Powell landed with the Seahawks briefly before joining the DC Defenders in the XFL. Now, Powell is being given a second chance to breathe a bit of life back into his struggling career.
The receiver is yet to put up any numbers at this level, only appearing in three games throughout his career. In last year's XFL debut, Powell caught 29 balls for 418 yards and 7 touchdowns. It was enough to help the depth piece earn another look from Houston as we continue to near the regular season. For the Texans, this appears to be nothing more than a depth move.
Houston appears to have the receiver position filled out, with Powell objectively having no shot at making the final roster. This signing is all about bringing in depth for the final week of preseason in hopes of finding a practice squad piece. If the receiver is going to stick with the organization, it is going to be as a member of the practice squad.
#Texans wide receiver Xavier Johnson broke his hand and is out indefinitely, per a league source.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 19, 2025
Team is signing wide receivers Juwann Winfree, Cornell Powell after successful workouts:https://t.co/VLAboiEPZM@KPRC2
Former Chiefs WR Cornell Powell Finds Surprise New Landing Spot
Powell signing with the Texans is all about how things might play out when final roster cuts are made. The receiver has zero shot of making the final roster and is going to be cut by the end of the preseason. However, the hope for Powell is to impress enough over the next week to earn a spot on the practice squad. For the former XFL receiver, this has to be the goal, understanding how impossible making the roster will be.
For Kansas City, it is clear that turning the page was the right decision, with Powell unable to make an impact during his time with the franchise. Added into this is the fact that the Chiefs are already facing an incredibly tough decision at the receiver position. With Rashee Rice expected to be on the roster in Week 1, there are three receivers fighting for the final spot.
It gives Chiefs fans a reason to tune in for the final preseason game and pay attention to the final roster cuts. No question, turning the page on Powell was the right decision and exactly what the Texans are poised to do, barring a huge final week from the former Chief.