In a move that has left Kansas City Chiefs fans reeling, undrafted rookie sensation Carson Steele, the hard-charging running back/fullback who captured hearts last spring, is now teetering on the edge of being cut from the team. The 22-year-old’s meteoric rise in 2024 seems to have hit a wall, as analysts predict he may not survive the final 53-man roster cuts.
During a recent “OG Hour” live stream on June 26, Arrowhead Addict writers Patrick Allen and Adam Best dropped a bombshell. Best, a seasoned Chiefs analyst, named Steele as the player most likely to face a surprise cut. “This is tough,” Best admitted, “but I went with Carson Steele because the Chiefs have gone without a fullback before.”
Steele’s versatility as a hybrid running back/fullback made him a fan favorite, but with a crowded backfield, his role is in jeopardy. “They’ve got four other significant running backs,” Best explained. “With Isiah Pacheco as the clear lead, Kareem Hunt’s return for short-yardage situations, and newcomers Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell, Steele might be the odd man out.”
Best pointed out that Hunt’s presence diminishes the need for a traditional “bulldozer” fullback, a role Steele was never fully suited for anyway. Compounding the issue, Steele struggled with fumbles last season and failed to seize the lead running back role when Pacheco was sidelined. These factors, combined with the Chiefs’ front office moves this offseason, paint a grim picture for the young star.
Chiefs’ Offseason Moves Signal Doubt in Steele’s Future
The Chiefs’ aggressive approach to bolstering their running back room this offseason speaks volumes. After getting an extended look at Steele in 2024, the team made calculated decisions to re-sign Kareem Hunt, sign Elijah Mitchell, and draft Brashard Smith despite limited draft picks and cap space. “If they truly believed in Steele as a full-time player, they wouldn’t have made these moves,” Best argued. “They saw what he could do, and still went out to add competition.”
The addition of versatile tight end Noah Gray, who can handle H-back duties, further clouds Steele’s path to the roster. With only four running back spots likely available, the numbers game doesn’t favor the former UDFA.
A Potential Practice Squad Return—If Steele Stays
If Steele is indeed cut, it may not spell the end of his time in Kansas City. The Chiefs would likely try to re-sign him to their practice squad, but two key questions loom: Will another NFL team claim him off waivers? And would Steele, a player with undeniable heart, want to return after being let go?
Steele’s gritty running style, pass-catching prowess, and special teams contributions— including his potential as a returner and blocker—make him an attractive prospect for other teams. “He’s got spunk and a lot of effort,” Best noted, suggesting that another franchise might take a chance on him if he hits waivers.
A Fan Favorite Faces an Uncertain Future
Steele’s potential departure is a gut punch for Chiefs fans who embraced his underdog story. His relentless energy and blue-collar work ethic made him a symbol of hope in Kansas City, but the NFL is a business, and roster decisions are unforgiving. As the Chiefs gear up for another Super Bowl run, their bold offseason moves signal a shift in priorities—one that might leave Steele on the outside looking in.