Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told the media that defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah will "most likely" land on injured reserve with a hamstring strain. The transaction became a reality shortly thereafter, officially ending the 2023 first-round pick's season. It's a tough blow for the player and squad, especially because they'd probably each benefit from a breakup; this brutal news binds them together further.
Andy Reid reports that #Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah will likely be placed on IR due to a hamstring injury.
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) August 18, 2025
He adds, "It's disappointing for him, I know, because he works so stinkin' hard." pic.twitter.com/g1AtfphuOd
Anudike-Uzomah hasn't lived up to his lofty draft pedigree through two years in the NFL, though he "works so stinkin' hard," per Reid. The former Kansas State standout is still only 23 and offers up to three campaigns of team control (club option for 2027). While things haven't worked out in Kansas City, they could've simultaneously extracted value and found a new home for him via the trade market. Alas, given the recent events, that idea becomes much easier to execute in theory than in practice.
Chiefs lose opportunity to trade former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah after season-ending IR placement
No one will take Anudike-Uzomah and his fully guaranteed rookie deal off the Chiefs' hands until they see he's healthy. Sure, he's flashed some pass-rushing upside, but it hasn't translated to sacks or consistent playing time in Kansas City. The 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year was already a reclamation project from an on-field standpoint, let alone an availability one.
Rival front offices can let Anudike-Uzomah rehab with the Chiefs, track his recovery and wait until next offseason to explore acquiring him. As alluded to earlier, he's under contract through at least 2026 and possibly 2027. There's plenty of time to assess whether the Kansas City native is physically able to contribute, first and foremost, and also worthy of a flier.
Any leverage Chiefs had in potential Felix Anudike-Uzomah trade is gone with brutal injury news
Kansas City must decide on Anudike-Uzomah's fifth-year option early next offseason. If they decline it, he'll be operating on an expiring pact, barring an unexpected extension. Anyone interested in his services will treat him as such. The Chiefs either have to settle for an even less appealing offer than the presumably underwhelming pre-injury proposals or bet on a bounce-back. Neither is an exciting outcome, to say the least.
The Chiefs upped Anudike-Uzomah usage and production in 2024. He made three starts as a sophomore in the pros compared to zero as a rookie. His year-over-year defensive snap share rate increased by 11 percent (from 20 to 31). Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him as a slightly below-average pass rusher despite improving sack and tackle for loss totals.