Promising UDFA player reaches injury settlement with Kansas City Chiefs following his release

The Kansas City Chiefs and wide receiver Jaaron Hayek reached an injury settlement agreement on Friday, as reported by NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

This move was expected after Hayek was waived by the Chiefs with an injury designation on Wednesday. Agreeing to an injury settlement means that he will be compensated for the amount of time in which the injury would keep him from being able to play. He is now free to sign with any team.

Hayek signed with the Chiefs after an impressive rookie minicamp tryout back in May. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver injured his shoulder toward the end of training camp, just days before Kansas City's first preseason game. Hayek was impressing during practices and could have made a run at making the Chiefs' practice squad had he not gotten hurt.

Hayek would have been an intriguing addition to the Chiefs' roster with his impressive blend of size and speed. He had a very productive five-year collegiate career at Villanova, catching 170 passes for 2,744 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also earned first-team All-CAA honors in 2022.

The Chiefs are facing a similar decision with rookie offensive lineman McKade Mettauer, who they waived after he suffered a knee injury in Week 1 of the preseason. Mettauer cleared waivers on Tuesday, which by rule means K.C. has until Saturday (five days) to reach an injury settlement with him. Like with Hayek, Mettauer could return to the Chiefs after the settlement is over.

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