As the NFL preseason unfolds, the Kansas City Chiefs, reigning AFC champions, are grappling with the harsh realities of roster cuts. With the 53-man roster deadline looming, the team faces tough decisions, particularly in the backfield, where a fan favorite and former training camp standout, Carson Steele, finds himself on the chopping block. In a recent Bleacher Report article, analyst Gary Davenport made a bold case for parting ways with the second-year fullback, signaling a potential end to Steele’s tenure with the Chiefs.
Carson Steele’s Rise and Fall
Carson Steele burst onto the scene as an undrafted free agent in 2024, capturing the attention of Chiefs fans during OTAs and training camp. His hard-nosed style and versatility as a fullback sparked excitement, earning him a spot on the roster—a significant achievement for an undrafted rookie. However, his performance on the field didn’t live up to the hype. In 2024, Steele started three games due to injuries in Kansas City’s running back room, but his output was lackluster. Averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and fumbling three times, Steele failed to establish himself as a reliable ballcarrier. His blocking, a critical skill for a fullback, was inconsistent, and his primary contribution came on special teams, where he played 32% of available snaps.
In the Chiefs’ 2025 preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Steele managed 15 yards on threeయ
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three carries, a modest performance that may not be enough to secure his roster spot. Davenport argues that Steele, now buried behind Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and rookie Brashard Smith on the depth chart, is at best destined for the practice squad. With the Chiefs unlikely to carry five running backs, Steele’s future in Kansas City hangs in the balance.
The Chiefs’ Backfield Landscape
If Steele is cut, the Chiefs’ running back room will rely heavily on Pacheco and Hunt, both considered roster locks. Pacheco, coming off an injury-plagued 2024 season, is expected to reclaim his role as the lead back, provided he returns to form. Hunt, at 30, remains a dependable short-yardage option but lacks the explosiveness to be a primary back. Elijah Mitchell, a veteran addition, brings intrigue as a potential change-of-pace runner, though his injury history raises questions about his reliability. Rookie Brashard Smith, despite a strong training camp, had a quiet preseason debut with just 10 yards on four carries, leaving his role uncertain.
Steele’s fullback position, however, presents a unique challenge. His role as a lead blocker and special teams contributor is not easily replicated by the running backs. The Chiefs could turn to the tight end room for a solution, with Robert Tonyan emerging as a potential candidate. Tonyan, who shined in training camp and the preseason opener, has experience in multiple alignments, including the backfield, and could serve as a versatile H-back to fill the void.
The Cost of Cutting Steele
Releasing Steele is not without risk. As a young, affordable player with special teams value, he could be claimed off waivers by another team before the Chiefs can secure him for their practice squad. Furthermore, his departure would force the Chiefs to reconfigure their offensive approach, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations where a fullback’s blocking is crucial. While players like Tonyan could step in, the transition may not be seamless, adding an element of uncertainty to an offense built on precision and adaptability.
A Cold-Blooded but Necessary Move?
The Chiefs’ roster decisions are never easy, especially for a team chasing a third consecutive Super Bowl. Steele’s fan-favorite status and underdog story made him a feel-good addition, but the NFL is a results-driven business. His underwhelming 2024 performance and the team’s depth at running back make him expendable, according to Davenport. If the Chiefs follow through, it would signal their commitment to prioritizing production over potential, a cold-blooded but perhaps necessary move for a championship-caliber team.
As the preseason progresses, Steele has a dwindling window to prove his worth. His performance in the remaining games could either solidify his case or confirm Davenport’s prediction. For now, the Chiefs face a pivotal decision: keep the former camp star and hope for growth, or cut ties and trust their depth to carry the load. The outcome will shape not only Steele’s future but also the team’s offensive identity as they march toward the regular season.