The Kansas City Chiefs are cutting ties with their 2016 third-round pick after just one regular season game.
According to the Chiefs’ official Twitter account, Kansas City made room for linebacker Dezman Moses by releasing rookie cornerback KeiVarae Russell.
We have waived CB KeiVarae Russell (Notre Dame) and signed LB Dezman Moses (Tulane). pic.twitter.com/dL6bkfk1mU
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 14, 2016
Russell, the 74th overall pick, was inactive on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. He played in all four preseason games, tallying seven tackles and one pass defended.
It’s possible the Chiefs could attempt to bring him back on the team’s practice squad, but that can only happen if Russell passes through waivers without being claimed. If any team liked Russell coming out of the draft or in the preseason, he could be leaving Kansas City without having ever played in a meaningful game for the Chiefs.
Rand Getlin of NFL Network believes it’s likely Russell will be claimed.
I’m told the #Chiefs have released defensive back KeiVarae Russell. Special teams numbers game. Super talented player. Likely to be claimed.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) September 14, 2016
The 5’11”, 191-pound cornerback ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds. He started right away at cornerback at Notre Dame, but a number of issues—both injury-wise and in the classroom—cost him several games in South Bend. He also suffered a broken fibula at the end of the 2015 season, which could be delaying his development during his first NFL season.
As the 74th overall pick, Russell is the highest draft pick to be released from the 2016 draft. He received a signing bonus of over $800,000 this past summer.
