Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid lays bare the brutal truth about NFL big men while welcoming Esa Pole back in a shocking move.QQ
The Kansas City Chiefs are amped up to have rookie OT Esa Pole back on the practice squad.
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially signed OT Esa Pole to the practice squad, bringing back one of the team’s most promising rookies who got away during 53-man roster cuts. This comes after the New York Jets released the former Washington State Cougar from their 53-man roster.
Pole passed his physical and participated in the team’s Saturday morning practice ahead of Week 8’s “Monday Night Football” game against the Washington Commanders. He’ll wear jersey No. 70 in his return to the team.
The Coach of The Year Award Race is HEATING UP
Pole had initially signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. While he didn’t make the team during the 53-man roster cuts, the 6-foot-5 and 319-pound offensive lineman was told he was the 54th man for Kansas City and that they wanted him back on the practice squad if he cleared waivers. Unfortunately, the Jets had other plans. But now they get another chance to build on the foundation laid in training camp and the preseason. It’s a prospect that Chiefs HC Andy Reid, a former offensive lineman himself, is very excited about.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid explains why he’s so excited for Esa Pole’s return
Not much is going right for the Jets right now, so it’s no surprise they had trouble integrating Pole into their system. However, Chiefs HC Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach know just how tough it is to find reliable depth along the offensive line. They weren’t going to let this opportunity for a reunion slip through their fingers, knowing that Pole was one of the team’s best preseason performers.
“Big guys are hard to find, and when they can move like he does,” Reid said on Saturday. “He had a decent training camp for us, and he’s a young guy, so you’re always trying to develop those guys. And nobody does it better than Andy (Heck). So you know, he gets to get his hands on him again.”
Chiefs OT Esa Pole’s Preseason Stats
- Games played: 3
- Offensive snaps: 46
- Pressures allowed: 0
The 23-year-old is still relatively new to football, which is another reason the Chiefs are eager to keep building. He didn’t play in high school and played just two years at Chabot College before transferring to Washington State in 2023, where he started 21 games at left tackle across two seasons. On 498 consecutive pass-blocking snaps with the Cougars in 2024, Pole allowed no sacks and nine pressures and was called for just three penalties.
“Yeah, it’s pretty amazing deal,” Reid said of Pole’s lack of experience. “He’s a good football player and played at a high level. So, we liked him well enough to bring him in the first time. We thought he had some talent there, and the more experience he gets, the better he’ll get.”
