The Kansas City Chiefs, renowned for their strategic roster maneuvers, may be poised to make a surprising move with journeyman tight end Robert Tonyan in 2025. Despite a standout performance during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, Tonyan’s veteran status could see him relegated to the practice squad, a tactic the Chiefs have mastered over the years.
A Hot Start for Tonyan
According to Arrowhead Pride analyst Jared Sapp, Robert Tonyan, who joined Kansas City’s practice squad in December, turned heads during the Chiefs’ offseason programs. “By most accounts, veteran tight end Robert Tonyan stood out at OTAs and the Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp last month,” Sapp wrote on July 1. With franchise icon Travis Kelce, now 35, potentially facing a reduced role and 2024 draft pick Jared Wiley sidelined by a torn ACL, Tonyan appeared to be a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ tight end room.
Tonyan’s strong showings suggested he could secure a spot on the 53-man roster, providing depth and reliability behind Kelce and Noah Gray. However, his experience may ironically work against him, as Sapp notes: “Players with four or more accredited seasons see their entire base salary become guaranteed if on a 53-man roster for their team’s Week 1 contest.”
The Chiefs’ Salary-Savvy Strategy
Tonyan’s $1.3 million salary for 2025, while modest, is a figure the Chiefs are hesitant to lock in for back-of-the-roster talent. Kansas City has a history of employing a clever roster loophole, briefly cutting vested veterans only to re-sign them to the practice squad immediately after the 53-man roster deadline. This move allows the team to avoid guaranteed salaries while keeping experienced players in the fold. Sapp referenced former Chiefs running back CJ Spiller as one example of this strategy, though the team has executed it with numerous players over the years.
“There’s usually a handshake agreement where, despite being cut, the vested veteran has already been informed that there’s a practice squad role waiting for him,” Sapp explained. This approach ensures Tonyan could return to the Chiefs’ practice squad with opportunities for weekly elevations and gameday paychecks, all while freeing up a roster spot for a younger player.
Why Cut a Standout? The NFL Loophole Explained
The Chiefs’ roster strategy hinges on an NFL rule that exempts vested veterans like Tonyan from the waiver wire, meaning they can be cut and re-signed without risk of being claimed by another team. Younger players, however, must pass through waivers, where they could be snatched up by rival franchises. By temporarily parting ways with Tonyan, Kansas City can secure a promising prospect who might not clear waivers, all while keeping Tonyan in the organization.
Sapp predicts that Tonyan could be “on and off the active roster multiple times in 2025,” especially as Jared Wiley works his way back from injury. This flexibility allows the Chiefs to balance short-term needs with long-term roster planning.
The Briningstool Factor and Beyond
One potential beneficiary of this move could be undrafted rookie tight end Jake Briningstool, who also impressed during OTAs before missing minicamp with a minor injury. Briningstool’s early flashes make him a candidate who might not survive the waiver wire, giving the Chiefs incentive to keep him on the 53-man roster. By starting Tonyan on the practice squad, Kansas City could secure Briningstool or bolster depth at another position, such as running back, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, or the offensive or defensive line.
The Chiefs could elevate Tonyan as their third tight end behind Kelce and Gray for the first three weeks of the season, leveraging his experience without committing to his salary long-term. This maneuver underscores the roster-building prowess of head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach, who have honed this strategy over years of success.
A Calculated Move for a Championship Contender
As the Chiefs aim to maintain their status as perennial Super Bowl contenders, every roster decision carries weight. Cutting a spring standout like Tonyan may seem counterintuitive, but it reflects Kansas City’s meticulous approach to roster construction. By leveraging NFL rules and their handshake agreements, the Chiefs can retain veteran talent, nurture young prospects, and keep their roster flexible—all while chasing another championship.
Tonyan’s fate may not be sealed on the active roster, but his role in Kansas City’s plans remains secure. For now, Chiefs fans can expect more roster chess moves as the team prepares for the 2025 season.