Chiefs cut former first-round pick Taco Charlton, DB Will Parks

The Chiefs released defensive end Taco Charlton, defensive back Will Parks and guard Bryan Witzmann, per a club announcement. They also waived linebacker Riley Cole and quarterback Anthony Gordon, bringing them down to an 80-man roster in advance of Tuesday’s deadline. 

Despite entering the league as a seventh-round pick, Parks has seen considerable playing time as a pro. He spent most of his career with the Broncos before moving on to the Eagles in 2020. Injuries led to Parks’ release in December, bringing him back to the Broncos. Parks missed six games last year, but previous to that, he was only scratched for two. He’s been with the Chiefs since May — now, he’ll have to hook on elsewhere.

Charlton, a highly touted first-round pick of the Cowboys, flamed out quickly in Dallas. After just two-plus years with the Cowboys, he moved on to the Dolphins and did his best work in 2019 — five sacks in 10 games. He had a decent 2020 with the Chiefs, too, up until he broke his leg in November. He finished out with two sacks, four quarterback hits and a forced fumble for K.C. However, the 26-year-old (27 in November) wasn’t able to make the cut.