The Kansas City Chiefs appeared to find a gem last season in undrafted free agent Brandon George, but injuries cut short his promising start and now the team has cut ties before the linebacker could ever see the field.
The Chiefs waived George on May 5, the NFL’s transaction wire showed, ending his career in Kansas City after one year.
Brandon George Appeared on Track to Make Roster Before Injury
The Chiefs signed George last year as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh, but placed him on injured reserve before the season started. George had made a strong impression during his time with the team, leading Rocky Magana of Arrowhead Pride to suggest he could land a roster spot as a reserve linebacker and special teams regular.
“Considering the Kansas City Chiefs met with George at his pro day and brought him in for a too-30 visit ahead of the draft, you could argue that the Chiefs coaching staff has been crushing on him for a while now,” Magana wrote. “It wouldnât surprise me one bit if special teams coordinator Dave Toubâs fist is sore from banging the table for this guy. If thereâs an undrafted free agent who makes the 53-man roster, Iâd wager itâs Brandon George.”
NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein agreed, projecting that George could grow into an average backup or special teams player. Zierlein’s analysis showed that George was a mixed bag, with some good skills mixed with deficiencies.
“Inside linebacker who boasts a burly frame and outstanding pro-day testing numbers,” Zierlein wrote. “George was a mainstay on special teams during his six-year career, spending only one season (2024) as a full-time starter. Heâs inconsistent in making reads and fitting up the run properly, but heâs big and strong. He can leverage his gaps when heâs in position.”
Magana noted that, despite lacking eye-popping numbers in college or exceptional athleticism, George was a smart player who could make the most of his skills.
“A team captain, George is smart and consistent. He understands his assignment and knows where to position himself. The issue is that his body doesnât always have the gas to match his mind. His success depends on staying one step ahead of the offense and triggering downhill before anyone else does.”
Chiefs Ignore Linebacker Position in NFL Draft
The Chiefs appear to be largely set in their linebacking corps, with SI.com’s Jordan Foote predicting they will keep five on the final roster — Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Cooper McDonald, Jeffrey Bassa, and Jack Cochrane.
Foote noted that the Chiefs felt content enough with the position to ignore it during last month’s NFL draft.
“The franchise not burning a draft pick on a linebacker bodes well for Jeffrey Bassa, who could assume some more defensive snaps in his second campaign,” Foote wrote. “Cooper McDonald is this writer’s anticipated starter alongside Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill as the SAM.
“Jack Cochrane is a favorite of special teams coordinator Dave Toub. Perhaps Cole Christiansen forces the club’s hand and he makes it as a sixth man, but that outlook doesn’t appear too favorable.”
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