Chiefs cut WR who still can’t escape emergency-only label in KC
Jason Brownlee might have been hoping for new heights in a new environment. As it turns out, his ceiling with the Kansas City Chiefs stopped at the same place it did on his last stop.
The Chiefs announced the release of Brownlee—a likely candidate to end up back on the practice squad—on Monday with Week 7 coming into view. The move was a necessary one to make room for wide receiver Rashee Rice, who is returning following a six-game suspension to start the season. The Chiefs are glad for the move given Rice's offensive importance, but Brownlee's end of the deal is also worth noting.
Brownlee joined the Chiefs during the team's postseason run at a (failed) historic three-peat. A reserve/futures signing at the time, Brownlee decided to change teams instead of remaining with the New York Jets in the hopes of finding a stronger foothold on a team's active roster.
Jason Brownlee might want to find a new home if he's only going to be an emergency option for KC after his release.
The Jets had an interesting relationship with Brownlee in his first two seasons in the National Football League. Signed as a high-upside undrafted free agent in 2023, the Jets gave him a robust $216K in guaranteed money to sign, and the former Southern Miss star immediately went to work impressing coaches.
A lengthy, physical receiving prospect, Brownlee made waves in consecutive preseason campaigns with the Jets, forcing tough personnel decisions when it was time to make active roster cuts. Brownlee was one of two UDFAs to make the roster in his rookie season, and he went on to appear in a handful of games—though he was used sparingly on offense. After failing to do so again in his second season, Brownlee decided to leave for the Chiefs despite ongoing interest from the Jets organization.
Brownlee repeated the same script with Kansas City with a glowing preseason performance that made it impossible to cut him. That worked well for a Chiefs team that was already down Rice, and when Xavier Worthy was injured in Week 1, the move looked even more prescient.
However, Brownlee never carved out a trusted role with Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs' offense despite the clear need for someone to step up in the first couple of games to start a new season. Tyquan Thornton was able to emerge from the pack and Brownlee was relegated to only 21 offensive snaps in five games played before his release.
The Chiefs clearly like Brownlee, and it would serve them well to keep him around on the practice squad. But if he's stuck in another in-case-of-emergency role in K.C., Brownlee might find himself searching for a thinner place to call home.
BREAKING NEWS: Matt LaFleur’s Historic Contract Secures His Future with the Packers
In a groundbreaking move that is sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have announced an unprecedented contract for their star head coach, Matt LaFleur. Team owner Mark Murphy revealed that LaFleur, one of the league’s most resilient and innovative coaches, has signed a deal that will keep him with the Packers for life—an historic commitment that sets a new standard in the NFL. This contract is about more than football; it’s about cementing the bond between LaFleur and the city of Green Bay for generations to come.
“THIS ISN’T JUST A CONTRACT; IT’S A LEGACY. MATT LAFLEUR ISN’T JUST THE FUTURE OF THE PACKERS—HE IS GREEN BAY. FROM THE MOMENT HE JOINED THE TEAM, HE BECAME OUR IDENTITY, OUR HEART. THIS IS MORE THAN FOOTBALL—IT’S ABOUT HONORING A CONNECTION BETWEEN COACH AND CITY THAT WILL LAST FOREVER,” said Murphy in a statement that has resonated deeply with both fans and players across the league.
LaFleur, who became the Packers' head coach in 2019, has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking coaches in the NFL. Known for his offensive mind, leadership, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving league, LaFleur has already proven time and time again that he is a game-changer. His ability to lead the team, make critical decisions, and develop young talent has made him the cornerstone of the Packers’ future and one of the league's most respected coaches.
This deal, however, represents more than just a financial commitment to LaFleur’s coaching performance. It’s a bold statement that the Packers are fully invested in their future and their head coach. LaFleur’s deep connection to Green Bay, his passion for the game, and his vision for the team have made him a beloved figure in the city, and the Packers are making it clear that he is the foundation upon which they will continue to build their championship hopes.
LaFleur’s journey with the Packers has been nothing short of spectacular. From his early days as an offensive coordinator to leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and NFC Championship games, LaFleur has proven that he is a coach who can handle the pressure and lead his team to success. His leadership and ability to develop future stars have earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, players, and fans alike.
With this new contract, LaFleur will continue to be the face of the Packers for the foreseeable future, guiding the team as they aim to compete at the highest level in the NFC. His leadership and success on the field have already made him a household name, and now, with this lifetime commitment, he will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in the franchise’s history.
As Murphy stated, “This is more than football.” This contract represents a partnership between a coach and a city, a bond that will endure long after LaFleur’s coaching career has ended. For the Packers and their passionate fanbase, this is just the beginning of a new era, one where Matt LaFleur will remain the symbol of the team’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
In an NFL where coaches often come and go, the Packers have ensured they will have one of the most reliable and innovative minds in the league for the long haul. With LaFleur leading the charge, the future in Green Bay has never looked brighter. This is not just a contract; this is a legacy, and it’s one that will be remembered for years to come.
