Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, roster moves this late in the season are rarely arbitrary—they’re strategic adjustments aimed at refining a team’s lineup for the playoffs. Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs comes as the Chiefs shuffle their defensive line depth, just three weeks before the regular season ends. Stallworth, a sixth-year defensive tackle who signed with the Chiefs in March 2026, was waived on Tuesday, a move that clears a roster spot for recent additions and aligns with the Chiefs’ shifting priorities on the defensive interior. For the Chiefs, this isn’t just about cutting a player; it’s about optimizing their 53-man roster to prioritize youth, versatility, and fit with their playoff game plan. As they chase a third consecutive AFC title, every roster spot matters—and Stallworth’s waiver reflects the tough choices teams must make to stay competitive at the highest level.

Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Stallworth’s tenure with the team and his role this season. The 6’2”, 320-pound defensive tackle was brought in to provide depth behind starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi, with a focus on run-stopping and short-yardage defense. In 12 games this season, Stallworth played 14% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps, recording 11 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and no sacks. He was a rotational piece in base packages, often coming in on early-down runs to clog interior gaps. However, his playing time dwindled in recent weeks: he saw just 8 snaps in Week 14 against Denver and was inactive for Week 15’s game against Arizona. This decline in usage signaled a shift in the Chiefs’ evaluation of their defensive line depth, as younger players and new signings began to pass him on the depth chart. “Taylor was a professional during his time here,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach in a brief statement. “He came to work every day, contributed when called upon, and helped our defense in run situations. This move is about roster flexibility and aligning our depth with our current needs, not a reflection of his work ethic.” For Stallworth, the waiver ends a short but steady stint in Kansas City, and he now becomes a free agent eligible to sign with any team.

A key driver of Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs is the team’s recent additions to the defensive line, which made Stallworth’s role redundant. Earlier this month, the Chiefs signed defensive tackle Zacch Pickens— a former third-round pick with more pass-rushing upside than Stallworth— to bolster their interior pressure. Pickens has quickly integrated into the rotation, playing 22% of the snaps in his first two games with the team and recording a sack against Arizona. Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr., who spent the first 13 weeks on the practice squad, was promoted to the active roster last week after impressing coaches with his strength in run defense. With Jones, Nnadi, Pickens, and Pennel now ahead of him, Stallworth became the fifth defensive tackle on the roster—a luxury the Chiefs couldn’t afford with other positions (like cornerback and linebacker) needing depth. “We added Pickens and promoted Pennel because we wanted more versatility on the defensive line,” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “Taylor is a solid run stopper, but Pickens can contribute in both run and pass situations, and Pennel brings youth and energy. We need guys who can play multiple roles, especially in the playoffs, and this move helps us get there.” The Chiefs’ defensive line has also improved against the run in recent weeks (allowing 98 yards per game over the past three) without Stallworth, further justifying the roster change.

Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs also explores the roster flexibility the move creates for the Chiefs. By waiving Stallworth, the Chiefs open up a spot on their 53-man roster that can be used to address other needs—most notably, cornerback depth. The Chiefs have dealt with injuries at cornerback all season, with starter L’Jarius Sneed missing two games and backup Essang Bassey struggling in slot coverage. The team has been linked to free-agent cornerbacks like Greg Newsome II and Cameron Sutton, and the open roster spot gives them the ability to sign a player without having to cut someone else. Additionally, the move frees up a small amount of salary cap space ($1.1 million, the remainder of Stallworth’s 2026 contract), which can be used to sign a veteran or cover injury-related costs down the stretch. “Roster flexibility is crucial this time of year,” said Veach. “By making this move now, we give ourselves options to add help where we need it most. Whether that’s at cornerback, linebacker, or another position, we want to be ready to address any issue that comes up before the playoffs.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this flexibility isn’t just about adding players—it’s about being proactive, ensuring they don’t have to scramble to fix a weakness once the postseason begins.

Another layer of Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs is what the move signals about the Chiefs’ playoff strategy. The Chiefs have historically prioritized defensive lines that can generate pressure without blitzing—a style that requires interior linemen to contribute to both run defense and pass rush. Stallworth, while strong against the run, lacks the quickness to consistently pressure quarterbacks, making him a liability in passing downs. Pickens and Pennel, by contrast, offer more balance: Pickens has 5 career sacks and can split double teams, while Pennel has shown the ability to push the pocket in practice. This shift aligns with the Chiefs’ playoff opponents, many of whom (like Baltimore and Buffalo) have mobile quarterbacks who thrive against pure run-stopping lines. “In the playoffs, you face teams with elite quarterbacks, and you need every defensive lineman to be able to pressure the passer,” Spagnuolo said. “We can’t have guys who only contribute in one phase—we need versatility. This move helps us build a defensive line that can handle whatever the playoffs throw at us.” The Chiefs’ recent success in the playoffs (winning two AFC titles in the past three years) has been built on flexible defenses, and Stallworth’s waiver is a continuation of that philosophy. For the Kansas City Chiefs, every roster move is made with the Super Bowl in mind, and this one is no exception.

Looking ahead, Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs is a reminder of the ruthless efficiency of NFL roster management—especially for championship-contending teams. While Stallworth was a reliable contributor, he no longer fit the Chiefs’ needs as they refine their lineup for the playoffs. The open roster spot will likely be filled by a player who can address a more pressing need, and the Chiefs’ defensive line will continue to evolve with Pickens and Pennel taking on larger roles. For Stallworth, the waiver is an opportunity to join a team that needs his run-stopping skills—possibly a playoff contender like the Cleveland Browns or New Orleans Saints, both of whom have struggled against the run this season. “Taylor has value in this league,” said a league source familiar with the Chiefs’ thinking. “He’s a proven run stopper, and there are teams out there that would love to have him for the stretch run. This move is just about the Chiefs prioritizing their own needs.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, the focus now shifts to using the open roster spot wisely and continuing to build a team that can compete for a Lombardi Trophy. Taylor Stallworth Waived Amid Changes for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just about one player being cut; it’s about the Chiefs making the tough, strategic choices that separate good teams from great ones—and keeping their championship window open.