Chiefs Could Cut Spring Standout Due to ‘Veteran Status’

When deciding on roster cuts, the Kansas City Chiefs have been known to briefly part ways with vested veterans, only to retain them on the practice squad just after the 53-man deadline.

Arrowhead Pride analyst Jared Sapp feels journeyman tight end Robert Tonyan could be destined for that fate in 2025, despite his hot start at Chiefs OTAs and minicamp.

“By most accounts, veteran tight end Robert Tonyan — who signed to Kansas City’s practice squad in December — stood out at organized team activities (OTAs) and the Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp last month,” Sapp wrote on July 1.

Acknowledging: “With franchise legend Travis Kelce possibly in line for a reduced role at age 35 and 2024 draft pick Jared Wiley still recovering from a torn ACL, Tonyan would appear a strong fit in the Chiefs’ tight ends room.”

“Ironically, Tonyan’s veteran status could prove an obstacle to the active roster,” Sapp continued. Explaining: “Players with four or more accredited seasons see their entire base salary become guaranteed if on a 53-man roster (or certain reserve lists) for their team’s Week 1 contest.”

Sapp then pointed out that “the Chiefs have proven themselves very hesitant to lock in even marginal salaries — such as Tonyan’s $1.3 million for 2025 — to back-of-the-roster talent.” Referencing former KC running back CJ Spiller as one example, though there have been plenty of others.

He concluded that “assuming Kansas City’s initial third tight end will eventually be replaced by a returning Wiley, it would not be surprising to see Tonyan on and off the active roster multiple times in 2025.”

Chiefs Could Start Robert Tonyan Out on Practice Squad With Handshake ‘Cut’ Agreement

In situations like these, there’s usually a sort of handshake agreement where, despite being cut, the vested veteran (Tonyan in this case) has already been informed that there’s a practice squad role waiting for him, with the opportunity for a few weekly elevations and gameday checks.

If Tonyan is on board with that plan, he would then re-sign to the practice squad immediately after being cut.

This NFL loophole allows teams to keep a younger player on the 53-man roster, knowing that there’s no real risk of losing the vested veteran since they are not subjected to waivers. Meanwhile, said younger players would have to pass through waivers and could be claimed by another franchise.

The Chiefs have been utilizing this method for years, and although they’re not alone in doing so, it’s definitely a roster maneuver that head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach have become well-versed in.

Chiefs Could Keep a Prospect Like Jake Briningstool — or an Extra Player at a Different Position — By Starting Robert Tonyan on the Practice Squad

Sapp identified Tonyan as a cut and practice squad candidate due to his salary, but the added benefit of this veteran roster move would be keeping a promising youngster like undrafted rookie tight end Jake Briningstool.

Similar to Tonyan, Briningstool had a very strong OTAs before sitting out during minicamp with some sort of minor injury. Considering how much he’s flashed early on, he’s a prospect who might not make it through waivers.

The Chiefs could also use this final roster spot on another position, with a plan to elevate Tonyan as the third tight end behind Kelce and Noah Gray over the first three weeks of the season.

Deeper positions like running back, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, and the offensive and defensive line could all end up warranting keeping an extra body in place of Tonyan. That’s the real benefit of this potential Chiefs cut maneuver.