In a surprising move ahead of the NFL’s 53-man roster cutdown deadline on August 26, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways with undrafted rookie wide receiver Hal Presley, according to KPRC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson. The 6-foot-3 Baylor product, who joined the team after a tryout following Justyn Ross’s release request, was waived on the evening of August 25, marking one of the first significant wide receiver cuts for Kansas City this preseason.
Presley’s release comes as the Chiefs finalize their roster, with the wide receiver position being one of the most competitive battles during training camp and preseason. Despite showing promise during his tryout, Presley’s summer was relatively quiet compared to other undrafted rookies like Elijhah Badger, Mac Dalena, and Jimmy Holiday, who garnered more attention and hype throughout July and August. While Wilson noted that Presley is a “good practice squad candidate, if he goes unclaimed off waivers,” his immediate future with the Chiefs remains uncertain.
Presley’s Collegiate Background and NFL Journey
Before entering the NFL, Presley spent four seasons at Baylor University, where he recorded a career-high 429 receiving yards in 2024, amassing a total of 1,048 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over his collegiate career. His size and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for the Chiefs, who signed him after a competitive tryout process. However, with a crowded wide receiver room, Presley struggled to stand out among Kansas City’s deep pool of talent.
The Chiefs have been evaluating a host of undrafted wide receivers this offseason, and Presley’s lack of standout moments during training camp and preseason games likely contributed to his release. Despite this, his potential as a practice squad candidate offers a glimmer of hope for the young receiver to remain in Kansas City’s system.
Wide Receiver Roster Projections: A Competitive Field
The Chiefs’ wide receiver corps has been a focal point of discussion throughout the 2025 preseason, with the potential suspension of Rashee Rice adding uncertainty to the group. According to projections from top Kansas City beat reporters, including KSHB 41’s Nick Jacobs, The Athletic’s Jesse Newell, and Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick, the Chiefs are expected to keep seven wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster. The consensus includes established names like Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, Jalen Royals, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, alongside bubble candidates Tyquan Thornton and Nikko Remigio.
Remigio, in particular, has solidified his case for a roster spot with strong performances as both a receiver and a punt returner. Newell emphasized Remigio’s value, noting, “There is no experienced punt returner on the club outside Remigio.” This versatility gives Remigio an edge, as the Chiefs aim to avoid losing him to waivers, a scenario they navigated successfully last year when he joined their practice squad.
Jason Brownlee: The Odd Man Out
While Presley’s release was notable, another wide receiver, Jason Brownlee, also appears to be on the outside looking in. In the 53-man roster projections from Jacobs, Newell, and Derrick, Brownlee consistently misses the cut. Jacobs pointed out that Brownlee “needed to make some splash plays to make the decision tougher,” while Newell highlighted his potential as a practice squad candidate, particularly as a “jump-ball, red zone threat” who could be called upon if injuries occur.
The Chiefs’ decision to prioritize players like Thornton and Remigio over Brownlee and Presley underscores the team’s focus on immediate impact and special teams contributions. With limited practice squad spots available, it remains to be seen whether Presley or Brownlee will secure a developmental role with Kansas City.
What’s Next for Presley and the Chiefs?
As the Chiefs finalize their roster, the waiver wire will play a critical role in determining Presley’s next steps. If he goes unclaimed, Kansas City may opt to bring him back to the practice squad, where he could continue to develop and potentially earn a future role. However, with other teams likely scouring the wire for talent, Presley’s size and collegiate production could attract interest elsewhere.
For the Chiefs, the focus now shifts to preparing for Week 1, with their wide receiver group taking shape. The combination of established stars and emerging talents like Thornton and Remigio positions Kansas City’s offense for another dynamic season, even as they navigate the challenges of roster cuts and potential suspensions.
As the August 26 deadline looms, the Chiefs’ roster decisions will continue to spark discussion among fans and analysts alike. For Hal Presley, the journey is far from over, but his time in Kansas City—at least for now—has come to an unexpected end.