Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL’s constant roster reshuffling—especially as teams prep for playoffs or future cap flexibility—tough decisions are inevitable. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that decision came in early January with the release of defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu, a veteran pass-rusher who joined the team on a one-year deal last offseason. The move, announced quietly via the NFL’s transaction wire, caught some fans off guard, given Attaochu’s experience and occasional contributions as a rotational player. But a deeper look reveals it’s a strategic choice: the Chiefs are prioritizing roster spots for younger talent, freeing up limited cap space, and streamlining their defensive line ahead of a potential Super Bowl run. Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs breaks down the context of the release, Attaochu’s time with the team, and why the Chiefs made this move at a critical point in the season.

Attaochu’s tenure with the Chiefs was defined by depth and spot contributions rather than starring roles. Signed in March 2024 to add experience to a pass-rush group led by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, the 31-year-old appeared in 12 games this season, logging 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4 quarterback pressures. His most notable moment came in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, where he recorded a half-sack and forced a fumble that the Chiefs recovered to halt a Broncos scoring drive. But as the season progressed, Attaochu’s snap count dwindled: he played just 18% of the defensive snaps in the final five games, with the Chiefs leaning more on younger options like rookie defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and second-year player BJ Thompson. Coaches praised Attaochu’s work ethic—he was a regular at voluntary offseason workouts and often stayed late to help younger linemen refine their technique—but acknowledged his on-field production didn’t match the team’s needs. “Jeremiah is a pro’s pro,” said Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen. “He came in every day ready to work, helped our young guys, and did what we asked. But in this league, you have to make decisions based on what’s best for the team’s future and current fit.” The timing of the release—just weeks before the playoffs—also suggests the Chiefs felt they could replace Attaochu’s contributions with players already on the roster. Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs emphasizes that while Attaochu was a respected teammate, his on-field impact wasn’t enough to secure a spot amid the team’s depth.

To understand the Chiefs’ decision, it’s important to look at Attaochu’s role relative to the team’s evolving defensive line. The Chiefs entered the 2024 season wanting to rotate more players along the defensive front to keep Jones and Karlaftis fresh for the playoffs. Attaochu was brought in to be a reliable third option—someone who could spell Karlaftis on passing downs and hold his own against the run. But as the season went on, Anudike-Uzomah (a first-round pick in 2023) emerged as a more dynamic pass-rusher, recording 3 sacks and 8 pressures in the final six games. Thompson, meanwhile, showed improvement as a run-stopper, making key tackles in short-yardage situations. Attaochu, by contrast, struggled to generate consistent pressure; his 1.5 sacks were the lowest total of his 10-year career, and he often struggled to beat offensive tackles in one-on-one matchups. His run defense also slipped, with opposing running backs averaging 4.8 yards per carry when running toward his side of the line—worse than the Chiefs’ overall average of 4.2. “We need our rotational guys to make plays when they’re on the field,” said a Chiefs front-office source. “Attaochu did his job, but we have younger guys who are making more plays and have more upside. It’s a business decision, but it’s also about giving those young players a chance to contribute.” Attaochu’s release also aligns with a broader NFL trend: teams increasingly prioritize youth and upside over veteran experience, especially at positions like defensive end where athleticism and speed are critical. Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs highlights that the move is as much about investing in the future as it is about addressing the present.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Attaochu’s release is also a financial move—one that helps them manage their salary cap ahead of the playoffs and offseason. Attaochu’s one-year deal was worth \(2.1 million, with \)500,000 guaranteed. By releasing him before the end of the regular season, the Chiefs avoid paying the remaining \(300,000 of his base salary, freeing up that money to sign a practice-squad player to the active roster or carry over to next year’s cap. While \)300,000 may seem small in the context of the NFL’s $255 million salary cap, every dollar matters for a team like the Chiefs, who have several key players (including Jones and Karlaftis) in line for contract extensions in the next two years. The Kansas City Chiefs also used the roster spot opened by Attaochu’s release to promote defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr. from the practice squad—a move that adds depth to the interior line, where Jones has occasionally dealt with injury concerns. “Cap flexibility is something we think about year-round,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach in a recent interview. “Every decision we make—whether it’s a signing, a trade, or a release—has to consider how it impacts our ability to keep our core players and build a competitive team long-term.” Attaochu’s release, while small in financial terms, is part of that larger strategy: ensuring the Chiefs have the resources to retain their stars while still adding talent around them. Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs shows that the move is a pragmatic step in the Chiefs’ ongoing efforts to balance winning now with planning for the future.

The release also signals the Kansas City Chiefs’ confidence in their younger defensive linemen—especially Anudike-Uzomah, who the team hopes will develop into a long-term starter opposite Karlaftis. Anudike-Uzomah struggled as a rookie in 2023, recording just 1 sack and 5 pressures, but has taken a leap this season, thanks in part to extra reps and mentorship from Jones. With Attaochu gone, Anudike-Uzomah is expected to see even more snaps on passing downs, and the Chiefs are eager to see if he can handle the increased responsibility. “Felix has worked his tail off to improve,” said Cullen. “He’s faster off the ball, he’s using better technique, and he’s starting to understand how to beat NFL tackles. This is his chance to show what he can do.” Thompson, too, will get more opportunities, particularly in run-heavy packages, where his size (6-foot-5, 265 pounds) and strength make him a valuable asset. The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of developing young defensive linemen—Jones was a second-round pick who became a Pro Bowler, and Karlaftis emerged as a reliable starter in his second season—and they’re betting that trend continues with Anudike-Uzomah and Thompson. By releasing Attaochu, the Chiefs are sending a message: they believe their young talent is ready to step up, and they’re willing to trust that development over veteran experience. Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs underscores that the move is a vote of confidence in the team’s youth movement on defense.

Looking ahead, Attaochu’s release leaves the Kansas City Chiefs with a defensive line group that’s younger but more dynamic—exactly what they need for a playoff push. Jones and Karlaftis will remain the anchors, with Anudike-Uzomah and Thompson rotating in to keep them fresh. Pennel and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi will handle the interior, while rookie defensive end Nik Bonitto (who’s been on injured reserve since Week 9) could return for the playoffs, adding even more depth. For Attaochu, the release likely isn’t the end of his NFL career; his experience and leadership could make him an attractive signing for a team dealing with injuries at defensive end, especially as playoffs approach. But for the Chiefs, the focus is on the present and future: winning now with a roster that balances veterans and youth, while keeping an eye on cap health for years to come. “Every decision is hard, but we believe this one is best for the team,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Jeremiah was a great teammate, and we wish him nothing but the best. But we have to do what’s best for this team’s success, both now and down the road.” Jeremiah Attaochu Released by the Kansas City Chiefs concludes that while the move may be disappointing for Attaochu and his fans, it’s a calculated choice that fits the Chiefs’ long-standing strategy: building a sustainable, competitive team that can contend for Super Bowls year after year. In the NFL, change is constant—and the Chiefs are once again adapting to stay ahead.