Chiefs Kingdom Calls for Reunion After Ex-Fan Favorite Waived by New Team
Popular former Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie Esa Pole just hit waivers again in Week 8, as the New York Jets chose to cut him from their 53-man roster on October 23.
The promising offensive tackle prospect began his NFL career with the Chiefs, but failed to survive the 53-man cutdown in August. The KC Star’s Sam McDowell reported that Pole was a candidate for the KC practice squad at the time, but that changed after he was unfortunately claimed off waivers by the Jets.
Now, if Pole clears waivers on October 24, he could return to Kansas City on a practice squad deal — assuming there is still mutual interest on both sides. And the fans of Chiefs Kingdom seem to want that to happen.
Chiefs Fans Eye Esa Pole Signing After Week 8 Cut News
“The Jets have waived OT Esa Pole. He is subject to waivers until 3 pm on Friday. If he clears waivers, he is free to sign to any 53-man roster or practice squad,” KSHB 41 beat reporter Nick Jacobs relayed on October 23.
The post gained a lot of attention among Chiefs fans who follow Jacobs, as it drummed up 100-plus likes and several pro-reunion comments.
“Hopefully no one else sees this and he clears waivers and can come back to KC where he should have been all along,” one KC supporter replied.
Another agreed, writing: “Bring him home [Brett] Veach.”
And a third Chiefs fan simply responded: “Pleeeeeeeease! 🙏”
Finally, KC radio host Carrington Harrison joked that “Esa Pole is First Team Chiefs Twitter.” Referencing the love for the rookie UDFA on social media.
With first-round pick Joshua Simmons away from the team indefinitely, it would make sense for Kansas City to bring back Pole. They could even claim him off waivers themselves, but then they’d have to cut someone off the 53-man roster to free up a spot.
We should find out if Pole clears waivers on October 24. If he does, he can take as long as he needs to decide on his next NFL landing spot.
Pre-Draft Scouting on Former Chiefs Prospect Esa Pole
For those who have forgotten what Pole brings to the table, below is his pre-draft scouting report from NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein.
“A developmental tackle/guard prospect with NFL size [6-foot-5], Pole should continue to improve with coaching,” Zierlein wrote before the April 2025 draft.
Continuing: “He has played football for just four seasons with two at the FBS level. His technique needs work but he showed clear signs of improvement and plays with adequate football intelligence. He has the lateral foot quickness to make zone blocks and mirror rush counters but doesn’t always play as powerfully as he’s built. Whether he lines up at tackle or guard at the next level, he’ll need more refinement on a practice squad early on.”
As you can see, Pole was viewed as a prospect with nice size and physical traits/raw ability, but he was also seen as a developmental rookie. And, to be clear, that was the Chiefs’ plan.
They had hoped to sneak him onto the practice squad, where they could work with Pole and coach him up, improving technique and strength. Although the Jets threw a wrench in that plan early on, it’s possible that KC could get a second chance in Week 8.
Geno Smith Doesn’t Give Up: "Failure is a Valuable Lesson, Success Will Come When We Keep Pushing"
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is no stranger to adversity. After a challenging start to the season, Smith’s resilience has been on full display as he continues to push forward with an unwavering commitment to his team, his fans, and his own personal growth. In a recent reflection, Smith shared his mindset on handling setbacks and how every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Mùa giải này không hề dễ dàng, nhưng tôi không bao giờ từ bỏ. Mỗi thất bại, mỗi trận đấu không như ý đều là một bài học quý giá. Tôi biết rằng để thành công, tôi cần phải tiếp tục làm việc chăm chỉ, không ngừng hoàn thiện bản thân và đội bóng. Dù đối mặt với thử thách lớn, tôi luôn giữ niềm tin vào khả năng của mình và khả năng phục hồi của đội. Tôi tin rằng nếu chúng tôi không ngừng nỗ lực, kết quả sẽ đến, và khi nó đến, nó sẽ xứng đáng với mọi cố gắng," Smith said.
Turning Setbacks into Lessons
For Smith, the challenges faced this season have only strengthened his resolve. Every defeat or setback is a lesson that pushes him to work harder and focus more on improvement. This attitude reflects the kind of leadership that has helped him bounce back from previous struggles, both in his career and in his personal life.
Smith’s philosophy goes beyond just focusing on the game itself; it’s about personal development and team cohesion. "I know that to succeed, I need to keep working hard, constantly improving myself and the team. It’s about building something together," Smith added. The quarterback understands that every small improvement adds up to a bigger picture of success. It’s about staying committed to the process, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Belief in His Team
Despite the ongoing challenges, Smith remains confident in his own ability and the Seahawks’ collective potential. "I always keep faith in my abilities and in the team’s ability to bounce back," Smith said. His belief in the team’s resilience is a reflection of the leadership role he has embraced, even when things are tough.
In the face of a tough season, Smith’s confidence and ability to remain positive are infectious. His leadership style has earned him the respect of his teammates, who look to him as a role model of perseverance. He’s demonstrated that success is not just about physical ability but also about mental toughness and the willingness to continue pushing forward, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Looking Ahead
With a season still ahead, Geno Smith’s words remind us that every game is an opportunity to improve. The Seahawks, under Smith’s leadership, are not backing down from the challenge. As Smith continues to focus on growth, both individually and as a team, he remains confident that success will follow.
"I believe that if we don’t stop working hard, the results will come," Smith concluded. His resolve to keep pushing, even in the face of adversity, embodies the very essence of what it takes to be a leader in the NFL.
As the Seahawks move forward, Geno Smith’s determination and leadership will continue to play a crucial role in their efforts to turn their season around. His mentality—of learning from every setback and trusting the process—will undoubtedly inspire his teammates as they continue their quest for victory.
