The Kansas City Chiefs had to make some tough decisions while trimming down their roster to 53 players following the preseason.

Perhaps the toughest among them was releasing offensive tackle Esa Pole. Kansas City signed Pole as an undrafted free agent this past spring. He showed a lot of growth from the beginning of camp through the end of preseason, and he has all the tools you want to work with for an offensive tackle, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 320 pounds.

Pole allowed zero sacks and zero quarterback pressures on 46 snaps played during preseason. When the Chiefs cut him, they hoped he would go unclaimed on waivers so they could sign him to their practice squad. Unfortunately, the New York Jets ruined those plans by claiming the talented rookie. However, K.C. may have the opportunity to get him back.

Rookies who played the most pass protection snaps without allowing a pressure this preseason:

● Addison West, MIA – 47
● Jacob Bayer, BUF – 46
● Esa Pole, KC – 46
● Kelvin Banks Jr., NO – 31
● Jaison Williams, NYG – 30
● Josh Simmons, KC – 26
● Brant Banks, GB – 21
●… https://t.co/XZAp8ZR4Wh pic.twitter.com/umbi4KE30Z

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) August 25, 2025

Jets released Esa Pole on Thursday

Pole has not been active for a single game for New York this season, and has now been released. We have been told that the Chiefs would like to have Pole back, but he is also garnering interest from several other teams.

Keep in mind that Pole will have to fall to the Chiefs, who are currently 17th, on waivers. That means 16 other teams will first have a shot at him. Among those who have a need for an offensive tackle include the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans.

If K.C. is able to claim Pole, it will solidify its depth at offensive tackle. That is especially important as Josh Simmons continues to deal with a personal matter that has caused him to miss the past two games, and likely this week’s matchup against the Washington Commanders.

The Chiefs reacquiring Pole could signal that Simmons isn’t going to return as quickly as we hope. Even if Simmons does return soon, Pole would make for a great project player who has potential to develop into a starter down the line.