The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with plenty of prospects due to roster cuts as they reshaped their roster for the 2024 season.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spoke with reporters on Thursday via Zoom about the decision to cut former Rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit.
“We kept it open; we wanted the kid to really look at maybe some different opportunities as well. It’s pretty remarkable when you think about a player that doesn’t have any pro-American football experience. No middle school, no high school, no big-time college experience.” said Veach. “We were kind of thinking about it going through camp. Imagine not having any sort of foundational background, just being thrown in and doing one-on-one pass-pros with a Drue Tranquill or a Nick Bolton. I mean, that’s pretty incredible.”
Rees-Zammit played in all three preseason games, showing his versatility in different positions. Veach took notice but potentially didn’t see his development working in time to make the roster.
“Running back, maybe a big slot receiver, I think he does have some potential as a returner. I’m not sure he couldn’t be a kicker,” said Veach. “I mean, he had an outstanding leg, and with this new rule, he can do some different things, provide some versatility.”
Rees-Zammit wasn’t a free agent for long as he landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Veach believes it has much to do with the international influence.
“I think the Jacksonville thing, and their relationship overseas and what that brings to the table, going overseas twice a year,” said Veach. “I think that was probably something that interested him, phenomenal kid, phenomenal worker, and again, just thinking back on the tremendous amount of progress he made in a short amount of time, I think he’ll continue to grow and develop, and I think he found a really good spot there in Jacksonville.”
Rees-Zammit’s time with the Chiefs was brief, but it was enough for him to land with another team. The Chiefs are building for an immediate three-peat, and the roster is primed with Super Bowl aspirations.
