New York Jets have been a thorn in the side of the Kansas City Chiefs in multiple ways since cutdown day

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 10:09 AM ET

A few things haven't gone as planned for the Chiefs this past week, thanks in large part to the New York Jets.

Kansas City made the risky move of waiving promising rookie offensive tackle Esa Pole, hoping that he would clear waivers and return to the Chiefs' practice squad. That did not happen, unfortunately, as the Jets claimed him.

New York also swooped in and claimed linebacker Cam Jones, who was with the Chiefs since signing with them as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Jones was beaten out by rookie Cooper McDonald for a spot on the 53-man roster, but K.C. would have probably liked Jones back on the practice squad.

Our friend Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest revealed that the Chiefs attempted to trade for Browns defensive tackle Jowon Briggs, but Cleveland chose the Jets’ 2026 sixth-round pick offer instead of K.C.’s sixth rounder.

In moving on from Mike Pennel, Chiefs GM Brett Veach addressed practice squad additions of Broderic Martin and Zacch Pickens.

"That's just a position that we're kind of hyper-focused on and trying to get that competition better and get more consistency.”https://t.co/2MLirWOgO4
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 28, 2025

Briggs is a 2024 seventh-round draft pick who has upside as a run defender. That marks three players who the Chiefs have interest in adding to their practice squad who ultimately ended up with the Jets. At the end of the day, that's business in the NFL.

K.C. ended up adding DTs Brodric Martin and Zacch Pickens to their practice squad , both of which are former 2023 third-round draft picks. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach could continue to keep his eyes peeled at the position, as it appears for now that Mike Pennel won't be returning to the team.

"I think with every position group, we’re trying to get better, and we’re trying to add competition,” Veach said on Thursday. “I think that was one position group (DT) we were trying to continually get deeper, get younger, get more athletic. We have two young guys that if these guys start flashing that practice, and we think it’s going to be an upgrade, there’s a chance that those guys are elevated and getting opportunities. If they don’t get it done, we’ll look for somebody else if they don’t get it.”

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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