Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, roster moves are a constant reality—especially as teams enter the final stretch of the regular season and refine their depth for potential playoff runs. This week, the Kansas City Chiefs made one such move, officially releasing defensive end Coziah Izzard from their active roster. The decision, announced by the team on Tuesday, comes as the Chiefs look to shore up other positional needs and streamline their defensive rotation ahead of a critical three-game stretch against AFC contenders. For Izzard, a second-year player who joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024, the release marks a sudden end to his time in Kansas City—a tenure defined by limited opportunities and tough competition at a deep position. For the Chiefs, it’s a strategic choice aimed at maximizing roster flexibility, a key priority for teams chasing a Super Bowl title. Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a transaction update; it’s a look at the tough calculus NFL teams face when balancing talent, depth, and immediate competitive needs.

Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs gains depth by examining Izzard’s tenure and role with the Chiefs. After signing with Kansas City in 2024, Izzard spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad, earning a promotion to the active roster for the final four games but seeing minimal playing time (just 12 defensive snaps). Entering 2025, he competed for a backup role at defensive end, a position stacked with talent in Kansas City—led by starters Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, and reserves like Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna. Despite showing flashes of potential in training camp (including two sacks in the preseason), Izzard struggled to carve out a consistent role during the regular season. Through 14 games, he played just 87 defensive snaps (12% of the Chiefs’ total) and recorded 6 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, and no sacks. His limited impact on defense was compounded by his minimal contribution on special teams—a phase of the game where backup players often secure roster spots. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in a statement: “Coziah is a hard worker who gave everything he had to our team. Unfortunately, with the depth we have at defensive end and our current roster needs, we felt this move was necessary to keep building toward our goals.”

A critical factor in Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs is the timing and strategic motivation behind the move. The Chiefs’ decision to release Izzard isn’t arbitrary—it aligns with two key priorities: addressing a thin secondary and creating a spot for a practice squad elevation. In recent weeks, the Chiefs have dealt with injuries at cornerback, with starter L’Jarius Sneed missing Week 14 with a hamstring injury and backup Joshua Williams sidelined with a shoulder tweak. By releasing Izzard, the Chiefs freed up a roster spot to sign veteran cornerback Sidney Jones IV, a move they made later Tuesday to add depth at the position. Additionally, the release reflects the Chiefs’ confidence in their defensive end depth: with Jones, Karlaftis, Omenihu, and Danna all healthy and performing well, Izzard had become a redundant piece. The Chiefs also likely considered Izzard’s lack of special teams value—unlike Omenihu and Danna, who contribute to kickoff and punt coverage, Izzard was not part of any special teams units. For the Chiefs, this move is about efficiency: using every roster spot to address immediate needs, rather than holding onto a player who isn’t contributing to the team’s short-term success.

Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs is particularly significant for the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive rotation and roster flexibility. With Izzard gone, the Chiefs’ defensive end depth chart now features four players—Jones, Karlaftis, Omenihu, and Danna—each of whom brings a unique skill set: Jones is a pass-rushing force (9 sacks this season), Karlaftis excels against the run, Omenihu provides interior pass-rush versatility, and Danna is a reliable rotational piece. This streamlined group will allow defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to simplify his game plans, ensuring that every player in the rotation gets meaningful snaps and stays fresh. The roster spot freed up by Izzard’s release also gives the Chiefs room to make additional moves if needed—whether it’s signing another veteran to address an injury or elevating a practice squad player for a specific matchup. For the Kansas City Chiefs, flexibility is key this time of year: injuries can strike at any moment, and having an open roster spot lets them adapt quickly without having to release another player. This move, while tough for Izzard, strengthens the Chiefs’ ability to compete in high-stakes games and navigate the unpredictable nature of the NFL.

Another vital dimension of Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs is the impact on Izzard’s career and future opportunities. While being released is a setback, it’s not uncommon for young NFL players—especially undrafted free agents—to bounce back with other teams. Izzard’s size (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) and athleticism (he ran a 4.78-second 40-yard dash at his pro day) still hold appeal for teams in need of defensive line depth, particularly those with thinner rotations or injury concerns. The timing of the release works in his favor, too: with most teams still finalizing their rosters for the playoffs, Izzard could catch on with a new team quickly, either on an active roster or practice squad. His experience in the Chiefs’ defense—one of the league’s most respected schemes—also adds value, as he’s learned from top coaches like Spagnuolo and played alongside elite players like Jones. For the Kansas City Chiefs, releasing Izzard with time left in the regular season is a small act of goodwill, giving him a better chance to find a new opportunity before the season ends. Veach’s statement also hinted at potential future ties: “We wish Coziah all the best, and we’ll be watching his career closely. He’s a young player with upside, and we hope he gets the chance to showcase his talent elsewhere.”

Finally, Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs has broader implications for the Chiefs’ roster-building philosophy. Kansas City has long been known for its ability to identify and develop undrafted talent—players like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce began their careers as unheralded signings—but the team also isn’t afraid to move on from players who don’t fit their immediate needs. This balance of patience and pragmatism has been a cornerstone of their success over the past decade, allowing them to maintain a competitive roster year after year. For the Chiefs, releasing Izzard is a reminder that even promising young players must contribute consistently to keep their spots—especially on a team with championship aspirations. Looking ahead, the move also signals the Chiefs’ focus on the present: they’re not just building for next year; they’re building to win now. Every roster spot, every move, is aimed at putting the best possible team on the field for the playoffs. Coziah Izzard Released from Team by the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with a simple truth: in the NFL, opportunity and competition go hand in hand. For Izzard, this release is a new beginning; for the Chiefs, it’s another step toward their goal of winning another Super Bowl. And in a league where success depends on making tough choices, this move is just part of the journey.