Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to refine their roster for the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season and beyond, the team made a notable pair of moves on Wednesday: releasing defensive tackles Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth. The cuts come just days after the Chiefs signed free agent running back Marcus Marshall, signaling a shift in roster priorities as the team balances immediate playoff contention with long-term salary cap flexibility. Both Shelton and Stallworth had served as rotational players on the Chiefs’ defensive line this season, but inconsistent production and the emergence of younger talent made them expendable. Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs explores the factors behind the roster moves, the contributions (and limitations) of both players, how the cuts impact the Chiefs’ defense, and what the team’s next steps might be to fill the void on the interior defensive line.

Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs first examines the roles Shelton and Stallworth played for the Chiefs and why their time with the team came to an end. Shelton, a 29-year-old veteran, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chiefs in March 2025 after spending the previous two seasons with the Detroit Lions. Brought in to provide depth at nose tackle and clog running lanes, he appeared in 11 games this season, recording 18 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and no sacks. While Shelton’s size (6’2”, 345 lbs) made him a force in short-yardage run defense, he struggled with quickness in passing situations—often getting pushed back by offensive linemen and failing to generate pressure on quarterbacks. Stallworth, 28, joined the Chiefs’ practice squad in September 2025 and was promoted to the active roster in October. He played in 5 games, tallying 7 tackles and 0 sacks, but failed to stand out in a crowded defensive tackle room. “These are never easy decisions, but we have to do what’s best for the team long-term,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “Danny and Taylor are good professionals who gave their all for this organization, and we wish them well. But as we head into the final weeks of the season, we need to prioritize players who fit our current defensive scheme and can contribute consistently.”

A critical factor in the Chiefs’ decision to cut Shelton and Stallworth is the emergence of younger defensive tackles who have outperformed the veterans this season. Rookie fourth-round pick Kadeem Carey Jr., who was expected to be a developmental project, has stepped up in recent weeks—recording 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss in his last three games. Carey’s athleticism (4.9 40-yard dash for a 315-lb lineman) and ability to play both nose tackle and three-technique defensive tackle have made him a favorite of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has increased Carey’s snap count from 15% in Week 1 to 45% in Week 13. Second-year player Felix Anudike-Uzomah, originally drafted as an edge rusher, has also seen time at defensive tackle in passing packages, using his speed to penetrate the interior line. “The young guys have earned more playing time,” Spagnuolo said in a press conference. “Kadeem has a nose for the ball, and Felix brings a different element to the interior with his quickness. When you have players who are performing at a high level, you have to get them on the field—even if it means making tough roster choices.” For Shelton and Stallworth, the rise of these younger players left them with fewer snaps and little room to justify their spots on the active roster.

A defining aspect of Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs is the salary cap implications of the moves, which provide the Chiefs with much-needed flexibility. Shelton’s release frees up \(2.5 million in cap space (since his contract was fully non-guaranteed), while Stallworth’s release clears \)940,000. Combined, the cuts give the Chiefs approximately \(3.4 million in additional cap room—resources they could use to sign a veteran defensive tackle for the playoff push, extend key players, or roll over into the 2026 salary cap. This flexibility is crucial for the Chiefs, who entered the 2025 season with just \)4.2 million in cap space and have several pending free agents (including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and defensive end Chris Jones) to negotiate with in the offseason. “Cap space is always a consideration, especially this time of year,” Veach said. “These moves allow us to be proactive—whether that’s adding a player to help us now or planning for the future. We have to be smart with our resources, and this puts us in a better position to do that.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, the cuts aren’t just about on-field performance; they’re about ensuring the team can remain competitive for years to come without sacrificing short-term success.

The loss of Shelton and Stallworth also raises questions about the Chiefs’ defensive line depth, especially in run defense. Shelton was the Chiefs’ primary nose tackle in short-yardage situations, using his size to plug gaps and prevent opposing running backs from getting to the second level. Without him, the Chiefs will likely turn to Carey Jr. and veteran Derrick Nnadi (who has been limited by a shoulder injury this season) to handle nose tackle duties. Nnadi, a 2018 third-round pick, has played in just 8 games this season but has a proven track record in run defense—averaging 35 tackles per season from 2020 to 2024. The Chiefs may also look to sign a free agent defensive tackle with experience in run-stopping, such as former Baltimore Raven Brandon Williams or ex-Cleveland Brown Shelby Harris, to provide depth. “We’re comfortable with the players we have, but we’re always looking to improve,” Spagnuolo said. “Run defense is critical in the playoffs—teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns rely on their rushing attacks to win games. We need to make sure we have the right guys to stop that.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, maintaining a strong run defense will be key to their playoff hopes; without Shelton, they’ll need their younger players to step up and fill the void.

Another angle to consider is how the cuts reflect the Chiefs’ broader roster-building philosophy, which prioritizes youth and upside over veteran experience. In recent years, the Chiefs have shifted from signing high-priced veterans to drafting and developing young talent—a strategy that has paid off with players like Carey Jr., Anudike-Uzomah, and cornerback Trent McDuffie. By cutting Shelton and Stallworth, the Chiefs are doubling down on this philosophy, giving their younger players the chance to grow and contribute in meaningful situations. This approach not only keeps the team’s salary cap manageable but also ensures a pipeline of talent that can replace aging veterans when they depart. “We believe in drafting well and developing our players,” Veach said. “It’s not always easy to let veterans go, but when our young guys show they’re ready, we have to trust them. That’s how you build a sustainable contender.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this philosophy has been a cornerstone of their success over the past decade—winning two Super Bowls and making four AFC Championship Game appearances—and the cuts of Shelton and Stallworth are just the latest example of this long-term thinking.

Wrapping up, Danny Shelton and Taylor Stallworth Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of tough choices, roster evolution, and strategic planning. The moves weren’t made lightly—both players brought professionalism and experience to the team—but they were necessary to prioritize performance, salary cap flexibility, and the development of young talent. For Shelton and Stallworth, the cuts mark the end of their time in Kansas City, but they leave with the respect of the organization and the opportunity to continue their careers elsewhere. For the Chiefs, the cuts open the door for younger players to shine, provide much-needed cap space, and position the team for both the final weeks of the 2025 season and the future. As the Chiefs prepare for their Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, all eyes will be on Carey Jr. and Nnadi to see if they can fill the void left by Shelton and Stallworth. If they succeed, the cuts could end up being a turning point for the Chiefs’ defense. If not, the team may need to look elsewhere to bolster their interior line before the playoffs. One thing is clear: the Kansas City Chiefs are committed to winning—now and for years to come—and these roster moves are a reflection of that unwavering focus.