Kansas City Chiefs surprise with the release of Rakeem Nunez-Roches
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches after three seasons with the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs invested heavily along the defensive front in this year’s NFL Draft, so it’s not surprising to see them making moves for the new players. What is surprising, however, is that one player on the outs is none other than Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
Want to thank the Chiefs organizations for everything they’ve done for my family and me! Always love 💯 pic.twitter.com/lquH9U28sy
— Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (@RakeemNunez) May 8, 2018
The Chiefs have indeed released Rakeem Nunez-Roches. FYI, hearing it was purely a cap move; was due $1.9 million as a backup
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) May 8, 2018
The Chiefs selected Nunez-Roches as a sixth round choice back in the 2015 NFL Draft, and he’s worked his way into a strong rotational player in K.C. over those three years. Even just last season, Nunez-Roches was able to make 11 starts for the Chiefs and played in all 16 games for the first time, earning 24 tackles and a half sack in the process.
The Chiefs selected Breeland Speaks in the second round and Derrick Nnadi in the third round of the latest NFL Draft, not to mention any priority free agents, such as Dee Liner. The team already released Josh Augusta in recent days, however, so they’d already made at least one move to create some room on the roster. In addition, it would seem like other veterans such as Jarvis Jenkins or Stefan Charles would be likelier candidates for their release give the Chiefs investment and Nunez-Roches’s youth and development. That’s why it’s such a surprise.
At the age of 24, Nunez-Roches should have no problem finding another chance and even meaningful work away from Kansas City. We certainly wish Nacho all the best as he tries to latch on with another team. Hopefully his best is yet to come!