It’s onto the next destination for the failed Kansas City signing.
The middle of June is almost here as organized team activities (OTAs) around the NFL are finished as mandatory minicamps begin. At least that’s the case for teams that aren’t the Kansas City Chiefs, who are still holding OTA sessions throughout the week to prepare for the start of their own minicamp on June 17.
As usual, it hasn’t taken long for OTAs to give Andy Reid’s coaching staff a good idea of how his roster is shaping up after February’s Super Bowl loss. While some rookies and veterans have capitalized on their opportunities, one recent Kansas City signing has been so unremarkable that he was kicked to the curb before OTAs could end.
The #Chiefs have waived DT Siaki Ika. The team signed TE Kevin Foelsch to the roster spot. @KSHB41 @41IsTheMic #ChiefsKingdom
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) June 11, 2025
In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the NFL community, the Kansas City Chiefs have waived defensive tackle Siaki Ika, a former third-round draft pick and CFP National Champion, to make room for tight end Kevin Foelsch on their roster. The announcement, reported by KSHB 41 News’ Nick Jacobs on Wednesday afternoon, marks the abrupt end of Ika’s brief tenure with the Chiefs, where he never saw a single snap of regular-season action. This decision underscores the ruthless nature of NFL roster management as the Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, continue to fine-tune their lineup for another championship run.
A Promising Prospect’s Rocky Road
Siaki Ika, a 24-year-old defensive tackle hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, entered the NFL with high expectations. A two-time All-Big 12 performer at Baylor and a key contributor to the 2021 CFP National Championship team, Ika was selected 98th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3” and weighing over 330 pounds, Ika’s physical tools and college pedigree suggested he could develop into a dominant force on the defensive line.
However, Ika’s professional career has been anything but smooth. During his rookie season with the Browns in 2023, he appeared in just four games, logging 100 defensive snaps without recording a single tackle. His performance was underwhelming, reflected in abysmal Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades: a 31.3 in run defense and a 29.0 overall defensive grade. These metrics highlighted his struggles to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL, raising questions about his ability to carve out a meaningful role.
After being waived by the Browns, Ika joined the Chiefs’ practice squad in December 2024, later signing a reserve/future contract in April 2025. Kansas City, known for its ability to develop talent under head coach Andy Reid, seemed like the perfect landing spot for Ika to turn his career around. Reid’s coaching staff has a track record of maximizing players’ potential, but Ika failed to make an impression during offseason workouts and Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Ultimately, the Chiefs decided to part ways with the young defensive tackle, opting to prioritize roster depth elsewhere.
Why the Chiefs Made the Move
The decision to waive Ika in favor of tight end Kevin Foelsch reflects Kansas City’s strategic focus as they prepare for the 2025 season. With OTAs in full swing and mandatory minicamp approaching, the Chiefs are laser-focused on building a roster capable of reclaiming the Super Bowl title. After falling short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, every roster spot is under scrutiny, and players must prove their value—whether as starters, rotational pieces, or special teams contributors.
Ika’s inability to stand out, even in a reserve role, likely sealed his fate. Defensive tackle is a position of strength for Kansas City, with established stars like Chris Jones anchoring the line. For Ika to earn a spot, he needed to demonstrate significant improvement in run-stopping ability or pass-rush potential—neither of which materialized during his time with the team. His release suggests that the Chiefs’ coaching staff saw little upside in continuing to invest in his development, especially with other players vying for limited roster spots.
In contrast, Kevin Foelsch, the tight end signed to replace Ika, offers versatility and potential in an area of need. With Travis Kelce remaining the centerpiece of Kansas City’s passing game, the Chiefs are likely looking to bolster their tight end depth for both offensive and special teams contributions. Foelsch’s addition signals a shift toward players who can provide immediate value, even in a supporting role, as the team gears up for training camp.
A Career at a Crossroads
Ika’s release from Kansas City marks another setback in what has been a challenging start to his NFL journey. Since entering the league in 2023, he has now been let go by three teams—the Browns, the Washington Commanders (who briefly claimed him off waivers), and now the Chiefs. At just 24 years old, Ika still has time to turn things around, but his inability to secure a consistent role raises concerns about his long-term prospects in the NFL.
The defensive tackle’s struggles are particularly stark given his college success. At Baylor, Ika was a disruptive force, using his size and strength to clog running lanes and collapse pockets. However, the transition to the professional level has exposed deficiencies in his technique and adaptability. NFL defenses require linemen to be both powerful and agile, capable of handling complex blocking schemes and contributing in multiple phases of the game. Ika’s poor PFF grades and lack of production suggest he has yet to bridge the gap between college stardom and professional competence.
As Ika searches for his next opportunity, he’ll need to address these shortcomings to avoid becoming another cautionary tale of a high draft pick who couldn’t stick in the league. Teams looking for defensive line depth may take a flier on his raw talent, but Ika will need to prove he can translate his physical gifts into on-field impact.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
The Chiefs’ decision to cut Ika is likely just the beginning of a series of roster moves as they refine their lineup ahead of training camp. With mandatory minicamp looming and the regular season approaching, Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach are under pressure to assemble a championship-caliber team. The loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl 59—Kansas City’s first Super Bowl defeat since 2020—has only heightened the urgency to eliminate weaknesses and maximize every roster spot.
Kansas City’s defensive line remains a strength, with players like Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Mike Danna leading the way. However, the team may still look to add depth through free agency or additional waiver claims to ensure they’re prepared for the gr AA1o8pL6ind of a long season. On offense, the addition of Foelsch suggests a focus on versatility, as the Chiefs aim to maintain their high-powered attack while integrating new pieces around Patrick Mahomes and Kelce.
As for Ika, his departure serves as a reminder of the NFL’s unforgiving nature. Even highly touted prospects must prove their worth, and second chances are not guaranteed. For the Chiefs, this move is a small but significant step toward building a roster capable of reclaiming the Lombardi Trophy in 2026.
Conclusion
Siaki Ika’s release from the Kansas City Chiefs is a shocking development for a player once viewed as a promising talent. Despite his college accolades and draft pedigree, Ika’s inability to make an impact in Kansas City has left him searching for a new team just two years into his NFL career. For the Chiefs, this move reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence as they prepare for another Super Bowl push. As OTAs continue and the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Kansas City to see how they shape their roster for the challenges ahead.