The days after Week 1 feature plenty of activity on the NFL's transaction wire. As teams deal with new injuries, sort out roster needs, and check in on veterans who are waiting for a home, the league usually has several moves to report—from free agent additions to player tryouts to practice squad shifts.
That means we've got an update on a few familiar faces as a new season begins. Some vets have caught on in new homes, while others are hoping for their phone to ring. Here's the latest on a batch of old friends who should be familiar to Kansas City Chiefs fans.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR
At this point, it's easier to start counting which teams Marquez Valdes-Scantling has not played for. The veteran wide receiver signed a deal to join the L.A. Chargers this week, adding a hopeful deep threat for Mike McDaniel after the team's surprising loss to Arizona in Week 1 to open the season. MVS helps fill out the wide receiver room after losing KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Ladd McConkey to injuries. Since being released by the Chiefs after the '23 season, MVS has signed with seven different franchises.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
The longtime Chiefs wideout has been searching for a place to land all offseason. The New York Giants gave him a place to land well before training camp, but the WR room looked overly crowded by vets competing for a coveted role, and he was squeezed out at training camp's end. It's very possible he stays in the area, however, if the New York Jets extend an opportunity. Smith-Schuster worked out alongside Sterling Shepard and others on Tuesday, as teams turned their attention to Week 2. Remember, any veteran deals aren't guaranteed after Week 1, so perhaps JSS will find a new team soon, even if he's hanging on by a thread at this stage of his career.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR
Three years ago, Smith-Marsette was the darling of Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph. Not only was he a fan fave, but the buzz was so serious that other teams became interested. To make decisions easier before roster cuts, general manager Brett Veach shipped Smith-Marsette to the Panthers in a preseason deal that provided him a clearer path to playing time as a receiver/returner. He played in all 17 games and even had a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown. In 2024, he had a lead returner role with the Giants, including a 100-yard kickoff TD return. However, he sat out all of last season before catching on with the Cardinals this offseason. On Tuesday, the Cardinals terminated his contract.
Cole Brevard, DL
Brevard should be a familiar name for even recent Chiefs fans, considering he was just on the offseason roster a few weeks ago. Brevard is fresh off a tryout with the Raiders on Tuesday after also earning a look from the Bills following his release from the Chiefs' practice squad only days ago. The roster carousel that brought defensive tackle Marcus Harris back into the fold sent Brevard searching for work, but given the level of interest in him from multiple teams, the former Purdue/Texas product should have no difficulty finding a place to call home.
Darius Rush, CB
If you recognize Rush's name, you're a more fervent Chiefs fan than most. Rush actually had two stints with the Chiefs over time. He first arrived as a waiver claim from the Indianapolis Colts, who gave up on their fifth-round corner just four months after drafting him. The Steelers signed him off of the Chiefs' practice squad one month later, but he came back a year later after Pittsburgh released him in 2024. Rush was most recently seen trying out for the Washington Commanders earlier this week.
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