The Kansas City Chiefs have made some strategic moves to strengthen their roster ahead of Week 1, filling crucial spots while one of their former players explores new opportunities elsewhere. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who had been released by the Chiefs earlier, visited the Seattle Seahawks, while Kansas City brought in fresh talent and made notable roster adjustments.

The Chiefs found themselves with an open spot on their 53-man roster after transferring running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the “reserve/non-football illness” list on September 2. Wasting no time, they filled this vacancy the next day by promoting interior defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu from the practice squad to the active roster. In a corresponding move, the Chiefs re-signed cornerback Eric Scott to the practice squad, a player with whom they had a brief but interesting history.

Kadarius Toney, a former first-round pick, was released by the Chiefs during their final roster cutdowns in late August. Since his release, Toney had not garnered much public interest—until recently. On September 3, it was reported that the Seattle Seahawks hosted Toney for a visit. The visit was confirmed by NFL insiders, including Field Yates and Adam Schefter of ESPN, as well as the league’s daily transaction log.

This development marks the first known suitor for Toney since his release from the Chiefs. However, a visit doesn’t necessarily translate to a contract offer, and Toney’s future in the NFL remains uncertain. Known for his agility and playmaking potential, Toney’s career has been plagued by injuries, making him a high-risk, high-reward option for any team willing to take a chance on him.

Marlon Tuipulotu: A Versatile Addition to the Chiefs’ Defensive Line

With Toney’s departure and the vacancy on the roster, the Chiefs have pivoted to reinforcing their defense. Marlon Tuipulotu, a versatile defensive lineman, has been promoted from the practice squad to the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. Known for his flexibility on the defensive front, Tuipulotu can play both the nose tackle and three-technique positions, making him a valuable rotational piece for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Tuipulotu’s skill set was first highlighted by NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein in 2021, who praised his hand technique, upper-body power, and overall toughness. While he may be slightly undersized for an interior run stuffer, his ability to shed blocks and maintain position in the trenches compensates for it. Zierlein also commended his “personal and football character,” suggesting that he had the potential to become a reliable rotational player in the NFL.

Since entering the league, Tuipulotu has lived up to those expectations, providing consistent snaps across various defensive line positions for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has lined up primarily over the B-gap but has also taken snaps in the A-gap and over the tackle positions. His presence with the Chiefs fills the void left by the release of Matt Dickerson and Neil Farrell Jr., both of whom were less accomplished in similar roles.

Eric Scott Returns to Chiefs’ Practice Squad: A Hometown Story

Another significant move by the Chiefs was the re-signing of cornerback Eric Scott to their practice squad. Scott, who was briefly claimed by the Chiefs off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys, found himself back on the squad following Tuipulotu’s promotion to the active roster. This return to Kansas City appears to be a heartfelt story for Scott, whose mother first informed him of his waiver claim via a Twitter update from her home in Basehor, Kansas.

Scott, who was drafted in the sixth round last year, described joining the Chiefs as a “dream come true,” especially since it means playing for his hometown team. Despite not having appeared in a regular-season game for the Cowboys as a rookie, Scott has shown promise and is eager to make his debut with the Chiefs. His return to the practice squad suggests that the Chiefs see potential in his development as a depth option for their secondary.

Strategic Moves Ahead of the Season

The Chiefs’ latest moves reflect their strategic approach to maintaining a competitive and well-rounded roster as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season. By promoting Tuipulotu, they add depth and versatility to a defensive line that thrives on rotation and adaptability under Steve Spagnuolo. Meanwhile, re-signing Eric Scott bolsters their secondary, offering a developmental player who is familiar with the system and eager to prove himself.

As for Kadarius Toney, his visit to the Seahawks could signal a fresh start for the talented but injury-prone wide receiver. Whether he finds a new home in Seattle or elsewhere remains to be seen. However, his skills, if harnessed correctly, could provide a boost to any team willing to bet on his potential.

Looking Ahead: Chiefs’ Season Opener and Future Moves

As the Chiefs gear up for their season opener, all eyes will be on how these recent changes impact their overall team dynamics. With Patrick Mahomes leading the offense and a retooled defense under Spagnuolo, Kansas City is once again poised to be a formidable contender in the AFC. The addition of Tuipulotu and Scott adds depth to their defense, while the door remains open for further moves, especially if more roster spots become available or if injuries necessitate additional signings.

Chiefs fans will be eager to see how these newly acquired or re-signed players fit into the team’s broader scheme, as well as where Kadarius Toney ultimately lands. One thing is certain: the Kansas City Chiefs continue to make calculated moves to remain at the top of the NFL hierarchy, all while keeping an eye on future potential stars who could help them achieve another Super Bowl run.