Chiefs make a surprise roster cut before Tuesday’s deadline

The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive end Taco Charlton on Monday morning.

The password is no longer Taco at Arrowhead, as the Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive end Taco Charlton.

Charlton was a member of the Chiefs defense last year, one that helped guide Kansas City back to the Super Bowl. Prior to arriving in Kansas City, Charlton had been a first-round pick out of Michigan with the Dallas Cowboys. He washed out in Dallas after two seasons, spending the 2019 NFL season as a member of the Miami Dolphins. Charlton is looking to join his fourth NFL team.

Everybody has to trim down their roster, but parting ways with Charlton was a bit unexpected.

Kansas City Chiefs release DE Taco Charlton ahead of third preseason game

While the Chiefs should have one of the best rosters in football, we have to remember that defensive success annually is not guaranteed in same the manner in which offense is. It is more of a year-to-year thing on Charlton’s side of the ball. Though defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo might be making the right decision here, his side of the ball is what will raise the Chiefs’ floor.

Being able to spin it with Patrick Mahomes is a given in Kansas City going forward. He has plenty of elite offensive weapons to work with, but the Chiefs are three-peating in the AFC if the defense regresses in 2021. Though Charlton may not have been the straw that stirred the drink defensively in Kansas City, it is still odd to part ways with a former first-round pick this soon.

The Chiefs will host the Minnesota Vikings in their final preseason game on Friday night.