The NFL preseason is a time of fine-tuning for general managers. Training camps are concluding with preseason exhibitions scheduled, and that means front offices can determine just how confident they are in various positions for the upcoming regular season.
To that end, GMs will tinker with depth charts as needs arise—whether out of viewing a deficit in practice or due to an injury that occurs. Given the frenzy of signings and roster moves, it's a common sight this time of year to see familiar names on the NFL's transaction list from day to day.
Plenty of former Kansas City Chiefs players have resurfaced with new franchises in recent days, and we like to keep track of such things around here. It's fun to see how those players we once cheered for are faring in new places. Here's a look at some of the latest buzz around former Chiefs.
“In this league, you never know when your time will come. Some players fade away, but others rise again. That’s the beauty of the game—everyone has a chance to prove they belong.”
— Head Coach Andy Reid
Kevin Foelsch
If you missed the Kevin Foelsch era in Kansas City, you're not alone. Foelsch was signed on June 12 in a move to bolster the tight end position with Tre Watson on the mend and Jared Wiley still rehabbing. The team waived defensive tackle Siaki Ika to make room for him.
However, the Chiefs decided to let Foelsch go once mandatory minicamp was over by releasing him 10 days after they signed him. The Pittsburgh Steelers finally gave Foelsch a new home along with defensive back Mikey Victor after some roster planning on Monday.
Darius Rush
The Chiefs decided to cut ties with two corners earlier this month who were dealing with various injuries: Eric Scott and Darius Rush. The latter had been with the team off and on since 2023 (with a longer stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in there somewhere) after being released by the Indianapolis Colts. Despite his ability to hang around, Rush could never break through to the active roster.
Rush, a former fifth-round draft choice in the 2023 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, will now try to further his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns after signing with the AFC North team at the start of this week. Rush was signed along with Christian Holmes to address depth in the secondary.
Deneric Prince
Prince is a former Tulsa running back who was a preseason darling back in 2023 who was a popular bet to make the active roster. While he was relegated to the practice squad instead, he was promoted for two regular season games. However, Prince eventually fell out of favor in Kansas City.
This offseason, Prince was the featured back for the Memphis Showboats in the UFL, and the New England Patriots signed him in recent days. However, he was just released with an (undisclosed) injury designation, which means he's subject to waivers once more before becoming a likely free agent with just two weeks of the preseason to go.
Justyn Ross
Justyn Ross asked for his release from the Chiefs before the start of training camp as he was coming into his fourth NFL season, and the team obliged. It was an interesting choice given the ongoing need for quality depth at wide receiver, but Ross believed he might find greener pastures away from the team that signed him as a rookie free agent out of Clemson.
Ross earned his first tryout with the Buffalo Bills, but he left without a deal in hand. Now the New Orleans Saints are the latest team to host a visit with Ross while he tries to find a place to play before the 2025 season begins.
