Kansas City Chiefs get an early start on trimming the roster to 53 players with latest move

The Kansas City Chiefs are due to cut their roster down from 90 players to 53 before the start of the season, and we could start seeing an influx of players being cut as soon as their third preseason game against the Chicago Bears is over. However, days ahead of the game, we are already seeing them get a head start.

On Wednesday, the Chiefs waived wide receiver Jaaron Hayek with an injury designation.

Hayek joined the team as an undrafted free agent following a standout performance during a rookie minicamp tryout in 2024. Originally from Villanova, Hayek's college career was marked by impressive receiving stats, accumulating over 2,700 yards and 29 touchdowns in his five seasons.

His route-running skills, football IQ, and ability to adjust to the quarterback's movements were things that stood out on film, although his speed and ability to get off press coverage were noted as areas for improvement.

With the Kansas City Chiefs being a team that develops undrafted and hidden talent well, there was a thought that the Chiefs may be able to work on some of those things with Hayek, and he'd become either a practice squad player or fight for a deep spot on the depth chart.

His being waived indicates that maybe the Chiefs were just getting started on some paperwork early.

The former Villanova receiver will find work with another team, as he is a player that teams will want.

Related: How to watch and stream the Chiefs-Bears preseason game on Thursday