Chiefs Waive Running Back ShunDerrick Powell

The Kansas City Chiefs announced this week that they have waived second-year running back ShunDerrick Powell, thereby opening a spot on their 90-man offseason roster. The decision follows a period in which the organization added players through the NFL draft and undrafted free-agency signings and is now making a subtraction to manage roster limits.

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During the current offseason, the Chiefs focused on filling roster holes by selecting draft prospects and signing undrafted free agents. After completing those additions, the team evaluated the depth chart at running back and identified competition for the remaining roster positions. The waiver of Powell occurs amid this broader effort to shape the backfield ahead of training camp.

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ShunDerrick Powell entered the NFL in the previous season after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. Although the Chiefs initially showed interest by arranging a pre-draft visit, they did not draft him. The organization later secured Powell with a reserve/futures contract in January, granting him a ticket back for offseason practices and a new contract for the upcoming year.

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• Previous season: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

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• Pre-draft period: Received a pre-draft visit from the Kansas City Chiefs.

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• January (post-season): Signed a reserve/futures contract with the Chiefs, providing a return invitation for offseason activities.

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• Current week: Waived by the Chiefs, clearing a roster spot on the 90-man list.

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The NFL permits each team to maintain a 90-player roster during the offseason. By waiving Powell, the Chiefs ensure compliance with this limit while retaining flexibility to add or retain other players competing for backfield roles.

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For the Chiefs, the move reduces competition for limited running-back slots and allows the organization to allocate roster space to other positions or emerging talent. For Powell, the waiver places him on the market, prompting a search for a new NFL team where he can compete for a roster spot.

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The Chiefs communicated the roster change through their standard roster-move announcement channels. No detailed statement or direct quote from team officials was provided in the announcement.

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No public criticism or dissenting commentary regarding the waiver was identified in the available sources.

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Sources do not disclose the specific performance metrics or internal evaluations that led to the decision. The precise rationale—whether based on on-field performance, scheme fit, or other factors—remains unreported.

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Following his release, ShunDerrick Powell is listed as a free agent and is expected to explore opportunities with other NFL franchises during the ongoing offseason.

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