The Kansas City Chiefs began their first week after returning to Arrowhead Stadium from training camp in St. Joseph by announcing the release of five players, including veteran defensive end Taco Charlton. In addition to Charlton, the Chiefs released offensive lineman Bryan Witzmann, defensive back Will Parks, linebacker Riley Cole, and quarterback Anthony Gordon.
The most notable names from the announcement were Charlton and Witzmann, with Charlton’s release continuing the trend for the 2017 first-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys of failing to latch on long-term with an NFL franchise. Charlton spent two years in Dallas, was picked up by Miami in 2019, before signing with Kansas City prior to the 2020 season. While Charlton had decent moments with the Chiefs, the development of second-year pro Mike Danna and rookie Joshua Kaindoh, a fourth-round pick from Florida State this year, made him expendable.
Witzmann started 13 games for Kansas City in 2017, before becoming a journeyman with Chicago and Carolina over the next two seasons. Last year, with the Chiefs offensive line hit hard by injuries, he returned to Kansas City, but found the field in just one game.
The Chiefs host the Minnesota Vikings in the final preseason game of the season on Friday night at 7:05. Kansas City is 2-0 this preseason with road victories over the 49ers and Cardinals earlier this month.
