New Chiefs WR Still Has a Ton to Prove After Roster Cuts

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jason Brownlee (89) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jason Brownlee (89) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Roster cutdown day has come and gone, with the Kansas City Chiefs officially setting their 53-man group on Tuesday. There were certainly some surprises, from multiple unexpected cuts to players few thought would make it getting the nod.

For the first time in the Andy Reid era, the organization kept eight wide receivers. There's an obvious logic to it with Rashee Rice's pending suspension and while things may change in the coming days, it's obvious that Kansas City loves the depth they have in the room.

However, one of the most surprising additions certainly has a ton left to prove even after making the team.

Chiefs WR Jason Brownlee Has Much to Prove Despite Making Roster

Jason Brownlee, who stunned by being the last wideout to make it, could very well be on the Week 1 roster. That largely depends on whether or not the organization pursues anyone who was cut, but Brownlee made an impression this summer. He'll need to continue that in practice this week, because he's someone few thought had a chance to be kept.

Originally an undrafted free agent out of Southern Miss, Brownlee started his career with the New York Jets and was primarily a practice squad player. With only five catches for 56 yards and a TD in his career, he hasn't had a true opportunity like this yet. Being on the Chiefs in an Andy Reid offense with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball is a pass-catcher's dream, and Brownlee quickly proved his worth with a TD on the opening drive of the preseason.

He'll be battling a numbers game though, particularly if Rice's suspension gets pushed back past the September 30 hearing date. Nikko Remigio is the primary returner, meaning he's safe. Tyquan Thornton would be who Brownlee is likely battling with to stay on the roster, and he had quite an excellent summer himself.

Regardless, it's impressive that Brownlee is on the initial 53 in the first place. That's something to be proud of, and he'd be a practice squad addition at worst if he is cut. Should he suit up for Week 1, it'll just be an even bigger sign of faith from Reid. At 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, he's got ideal size to be a contested-catch outside option. That seems to be what the team envisions him as too.

We'll see what happens, but Brownlee has made plenty of fans it seems and is a name to keep watching.

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