The Kansas City Chiefs knew they were likely to lose someone on waivers after the team submitted dozens of roster cuts to the National Football League by Tuesday's deadline. A reigning dynasty is dependent on a loaded roster, so naturally, other teams are going to want to poach some players in hopes of addressing their own needs.
On Wednesday, the NFL revealed the list of waiver claims, and the Chiefs ultimately lost two players—both to the New York Jets.
Offensive tackle Esa Pole and linebacker Cam Jones are now gainfully employed on the Jets 53-man roster, which means the team will have to make corresponding roster moves to create space for them both.
The New York Jets claimed two Chiefs on Wednesday after active roster cuts were due.
Pole's departure from the Chiefs was an expected one, given how good the developmental tackle looked in preseason play. The former Washington State tackle signed with K.C. as a rookie free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft and looked the part of an NFL bookend with exemplary play up front for the Chiefs.
The Jets' claim of Pole gives them a long-term asset at an important position, one that didn't allow a single pressure in 49 preseason snaps. The Jets also knew what they were getting since they had him in for a top 30 pre-draft visit.
As for Jones, he was made expendable by the Chiefs' decision to keep undrafted free agent Cooper McDonald on the 53-man roster. However, Jones comes to the Jets as a proven special teams asset and depth piece who should be a coaching favorite.
Jones played in all 34 regular season games for the Chiefs over the last two years after joining them as a rookie free agent from the University of Indiana in 2023.
A total of 27 players were claimed on waivers, with the Tennessee Titans claiming four overall—the most of any team as they were the first in waiver order.