TACO CHARLTON
As it turns out, Breeland Speaks isn't the only pass rusher finding some traction in the UFL this season. Further down the list at No. 5—tied with three others—is former Chiefs defensive end Taco Charlton
Charlton was the opposite sort of acquisition for Brett Veach and the Chiefs. While Speaks was a high-level draft investment, Charlton represented the sort of low-risk flyer that Veach has become known for in his several seasons as the Chiefs general manager—from Cam Erving to Reggie Ragland to Mike Hughes to Kadarius Toney.
The Chiefs took a chance on Charlton following an uninspired run with the Dallas Cowboys, who took him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. and the Miami Dolphins, with whom he had 5 sacks in 2019 after being claimed on waivers. Following his release from Miami, the Chiefs signed him and Charlton would go on to land a spot on the active roster.
In his first season with the Chiefs, Charlton would show some real promise with 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble in 7 games in '20, but injuries to an ankle and his LCL would alter and ultimately end his season prematurely. The Chiefs showed further interest with another one-year offer for 2021, but he failed to make the team thereafter.
Charlton would go on to earn a few more chances, most notably with the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers, after leaving Kansas CIty. However, none of those stops lasted any real length of time and he ultimately found his way to Birmingham.
As of press time, Charlton has 5 sacks, 4 more tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble for the Birmingham Stallions.