Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, building a winning roster isn’t just about the 53 players on the active squad—it’s also about the depth and potential of the practice squad, a group of players who provide support, compete in practices, and stand ready to step up if injuries strike. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that philosophy was on display this week with a key addition: Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs. The move, while not as headline-grabbing as a blockbuster free-agent signing, reflects the Chiefs’ commitment to strengthening their roster at a position of need—defensive line—and investing in young talent with untapped potential. For Pole, a defensive tackle with a promising skill set but limited NFL experience, the practice squad spot is more than just a job; it’s a chance to learn from one of the league’s top franchises and prove he belongs at the highest level.

Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs comes after a winding journey for the 24-year-old defensive tackle, who first turned heads during his college career at the University of Utah. At Utah, Pole emerged as a force in the interior defensive line, using his 6-foot-3, 315-pound frame to clog running lanes and disrupt passing plays. As a senior in 2023, he recorded 35 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, helping the Utes win the Pac-12 South Division. Despite his collegiate success, Pole went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, partly due to concerns about his lateral quickness and consistency in pass-rushing situations. He later signed a rookie free-agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent training camp and the preseason, impressing coaches with his work ethic and strength but ultimately being cut as the team finalized its 53-man roster. After a short stint on the Seahawks’ practice squad last season, Pole was released in October 2024 and has since been working out for various NFL teams, waiting for another shot. “I’ve always believed in my ability,” Pole said in a recent interview. “I just needed someone to give me a chance to show what I can do, and the Chiefs are that team.”

Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is a strategic move for the Chiefs, who have been dealing with depth concerns along the defensive line in recent weeks. Starting defensive tackle Chris Jones has been dealing with a minor knee injury, and backup Derrick Nnadi missed Week 13’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a hamstring issue. While both players are expected to return soon, the Chiefs wanted to add insurance at the position—someone who could absorb reps in practice, simulate opponents’ interior linemen, and be activated to the active roster if needed. Pole’s skill set aligns perfectly with what the Chiefs need: he’s a run-stopping specialist with the strength to hold his ground against double teams, a trait that complements Jones’ pass-rushing prowess. “Esa is a young player with a lot of physical tools,” said Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen. “He’s strong, he’s tough, and he understands how to play the run. Right now, our focus is on helping him refine his technique and learn our system, but he has the potential to contribute down the line.” For the Chiefs, the practice squad is often a proving ground—players like wide receiver Mecole Hardman and defensive end Mike Danna began their NFL careers on Kansas City’s practice squad before becoming key contributors.

Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights the critical role practice squads play in modern NFL roster management. Unlike active roster spots, practice squad positions are more flexible: teams can sign and release practice squad players throughout the season, and up to two practice squad players can be activated to the active roster for each game (without being waived). This flexibility allows teams like the Chiefs to adapt to injuries, game plans, and opponent strengths quickly. For Pole, being on the practice squad means he’ll get daily reps against the Chiefs’ elite offensive line—including Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey and guard Joe Thuney—which will help him develop his technique and football IQ. He’ll also attend all team meetings, study film with coaches, and receive one-on-one feedback to address areas of improvement. “The practice squad is where you grow as a player,” said Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub, who has worked with dozens of practice squad players over the years. “You’re not just sitting on the sidelines—you’re competing every day against some of the best players in the league, and that’s how you get better. Esa has the work ethic to take advantage of this opportunity.” The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of promoting practice squad players to the active roster when needed, so Pole’s signing could be the first step toward a larger role with the team.

Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is also a testament to the team’s scouting department, which has a track record of identifying underrated talent. The Chiefs’ scouts first noticed Pole during his senior year at Utah, where they were impressed by his ability to disrupt running plays and his willingness to play through minor injuries. They kept tabs on him during his time with the Seahawks, noting his improvement in pass-rushing drills during preseason practices. When the Chiefs had a need at defensive tackle, Pole was a natural target—someone who fit their system and had the potential to develop into a reliable backup. “Our scouting team does a great job of staying on top of players who might be flying under the radar,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “Esa is a guy we’ve had our eye on for a while, and when the opportunity to sign him came up, we jumped on it. He has the tools to help our team, and we’re excited to see what he can do.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on scouting and developing practice squad players has been a key part of their sustained success in the AFC West, helping them maintain depth even when key players are injured.

Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is ultimately a win-win for both the player and the team. For Pole, it’s a chance to learn from a championship-caliber organization, refine his skills, and prove he can compete in the NFL. For the Chiefs, it’s an opportunity to add depth at a position of need, strengthen their practice squad competition, and potentially develop a future contributor. As the Chiefs push for another AFC West title and a Super Bowl run, every member of the roster—including practice squad players—will play a role in their success. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Pole said after signing with the Chiefs. “I’m going to work my hardest every day, learn as much as I can, and be ready whenever the team needs me. This is a dream come true, and I don’t plan on wasting it.” For the Chiefs and their fans, that’s exactly the mindset they want to see from a practice squad player—someone who’s hungry, motivated, and ready to contribute. In the end, Esa Pole Signed to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is more than just a roster move; it’s a reminder of the NFL’s hidden talent pipeline and the importance of investing in young players who have the potential to grow into something special.