Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL’s late-season roster shuffles, every move is a calculated step toward refining a team’s competitiveness—especially for a franchise like the Kansas City Chiefs, who are perpetually in pursuit of a Super Bowl title. This week, the Chiefs made one such adjustment, officially releasing defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu in a recent cut. The decision, announced by the team’s front office on Monday, comes as the Chiefs enter the final stretch of the regular season and look to optimize their defensive line depth for the playoffs. For Attaochu, a 10-year NFL veteran who signed with Kansas City in the 2025 off-season, the release marks the end of a short tenure defined by limited playing time and tough competition at a stacked position. For the Chiefs, it’s a pragmatic choice to free up a roster spot for a player who can contribute more immediately, either on defense or special teams. Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a transaction update; it’s a window into the Chiefs’ win-now mindset and the harsh realities of NFL roster management.

Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs gains depth by examining Attaochu’s tenure and contributions with the Chiefs. When Attaochu signed a one-year, $1.7 million deal with Kansas City in March 2025, the expectation was that he would provide rotational depth at defensive end, backing up starters Chris Jones and George Karlaftis while bringing veteran experience to the unit. However, the season didn’t unfold as planned. Through 14 games, Attaochu played just 89 defensive snaps (11% of the Chiefs’ total) and recorded 7 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, and no sacks—numbers that fell short of the team’s hopes. His limited impact was partly due to the Chiefs’ depth at defensive end: reserves like Charles Omenihu (6 sacks this season) and Mike Danna (4 sacks) emerged as more reliable pass-rushing options, pushing Attaochu further down the depth chart. He also failed to carve out a role on special teams—a critical area where many backup defensive players secure roster spots—playing just 12 special teams snaps all season. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach addressed the decision in a brief statement: “Jeremiah is a professional who gave his best every day. Unfortunately, with the depth we’ve built at defensive end and our current roster needs, this move allows us to pursue other options that align with our playoff goals.”

A critical factor in Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs is the timing and strategic motivation behind the cut. The Chiefs’ decision to release Attaochu in late December isn’t arbitrary—it aligns with two key priorities: addressing a thin secondary and creating flexibility for potential practice squad elevations. In recent weeks, the Chiefs have dealt with injuries at cornerback, with starter L’Jarius Sneed missing two games with a hamstring injury and backup Joshua Williams sidelined with a shoulder tweak. By releasing Attaochu, the Chiefs freed up a roster spot to sign veteran cornerback Sidney Jones IV, a move they finalized on Tuesday to bolster their secondary depth. Additionally, the cut reflects the Chiefs’ confidence in their remaining defensive end options: Jones, Karlaftis, Omenihu, and Danna have all stayed healthy and productive, making Attaochu a redundant piece. The Chiefs also likely considered the upcoming playoff roster rules, which allow teams to elevate up to two practice squad players per game; releasing Attaochu gives them room to add a more versatile player (like a hybrid linebacker or special teams ace) to the practice squad, who can be called up as needed. For the Chiefs, this move is about efficiency: ensuring every roster spot is used to maximize their chances of winning in January.

Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs is particularly significant for the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive rotation and playoff readiness. With Attaochu gone, the Chiefs’ defensive end depth chart remains solid, with four proven contributors who each bring a unique skill set. Jones is a dominant interior pass rusher, Karlaftis excels against the run, Omenihu provides flexibility to line up at both end and tackle, and Danna is a reliable every-down player. 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 for the playoffs. The roster spot freed up by Attaochu’s release also gives the Chiefs room to make emergency moves if another position group is hit by injury—something that’s especially important in the high-stakes final weeks of the season. For the Kansas City Chiefs, playoff success often hinges on having the right players in the right roles, and this cut is a step toward ensuring their roster is as tight and effective as possible. Spagnuolo echoed this sentiment: “We need guys who can step in and make plays when their number is called. This move helps us focus on the players who have been doing that consistently.”

Another vital dimension of Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs is the impact on Attaochu’s career and future opportunities. While being released is a setback, Attaochu’s 10 years of NFL experience—including stints with the Chargers, Jets, Broncos, and Steelers—gives him a leg up in finding a new team. His size (6-foot-5, 252 pounds) and ability to rush the passer from multiple alignments still hold appeal for teams in need of defensive line depth, especially those dealing with injuries or looking to add veteran leadership for a playoff push. The timing of the release works in his favor, too: with most teams finalizing their rosters for the playoffs, Attaochu could catch on with a new team quickly, either on an active roster or practice squad. His familiarity with the Chiefs’ defensive scheme—one that’s similar to those used by teams like the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals—also adds value, as he can step in without a lengthy adjustment period. For the Kansas City Chiefs, releasing Attaochu with time left in the regular season is a small act of professionalism, giving him a better chance to find a new opportunity before the season ends. Veach’s statement hinted at respect for Attaochu’s career: “We appreciate Jeremiah’s contributions to our team, and we wish him all the best as he continues his journey in the NFL.”

Finally, Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut 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 value in veteran free agents, but the team also isn’t afraid to move on from players who don’t fit their immediate needs—a balance that has been key to their sustained success. This cut reinforces their “win now” mindset: they’re not holding onto players for potential future contributions; they’re building a roster that can win a Super Bowl this season. It also highlights the importance of depth and versatility in the NFL: the Chiefs’ ability to release Attaochu without weakening their defense is a testament to the depth they’ve built at defensive end, which was the result of smart draft picks (Karlaftis in 2022) and shrewd free-agent signings (Omenihu in 2024). For the Chiefs, every roster move—whether it’s a high-profile signing or a late-season cut—is part of a larger strategy to stay at the top of the AFC. Jeremiah Attaochu Released in Recent Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with a simple truth: in the NFL, roster spots are earned, not given. For Attaochu, this release is a new chapter; for the Chiefs, it’s another step toward their ultimate goal. And in a league where every detail matters, this move is just one more way the Chiefs are positioning themselves to compete for a championship.