The Chiefs have released defensive end Taco Charlton, defensive back Will Parks, and guard Bryan Witzmann, per a club announcement. They’ve also waived linebacker Riley Cole and quarterback Anthony Gordon, bringing them down to an 80-man roster in advance of tomorrow’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 ten 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 KC. However, the 26-year-old (27 in November) wasn’t able to make the cut.
As a Steeler fan, I am so glad Dallas and others passed on Watt.
As a Cowboys fan the Taco was a reach the second they selected him. You hope for the best but no doubt Watt was the right pick for ANY Team looking back. There were a few years where the defensive staff forced the wrong players in the wrong roles looking for a gem and got coal. Marinelli in Dallas spoiled a number of would be top picks.
Jerry Jones
Thats just revisionist history.
Taco was consistently rated ahead of Watt, who was — even in Pittsburgh — considered a reach in the 1st. There was hype of Taco going Top 20 and I don’t remember any Dallas fans thinking he was a reach when selected, as suggested.
I don’t know what draft you was watching, but TJ definitely was not a reach. Some people were shocked he fell to Pittsburgh.
Yeah, Watt was not considered a reach by anyone. At least, no one that I personally remember. Charlton was considered a first rounder or possibly high second, so it wasn’t a huge head scratcher, but I don’t think most people were shocked that he went early. I personally didn’t like him nearly as much, but I was in the minority as far as considering Charlton overrated. Most people liked the pick, or at least, weren’t tearing their hair out.
J. Fowler ESPN: “With plenty of other defensive options available at No. 30 — including Washington cornerback Kevin King and Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster — this pick doesn’t come without questions. Some evaluators graded Watt as a second-rounder. He started one season at Wisconsin, and though he was productive with 11.5 sacks, he might need time to work his way into the Steelers’ nuanced 3-4 defense.”
S. Ruiz USAToday: graded Taco an A-, Watt a B
Walter Football: Taco A-, Watt B+
Kiper and McShay both had Taco rated higher (31,28) than Watt (58,41)
I can keep going, but hopefully you get my point. Watt was 100% a polarizing prospect when it came to whether he was a 1st rounder. Some loved him, many felt he was inexperienced and getting name recognition points. Many in Pittsburgh wanted a safety or CB: Josh Jones, Kevin King, Marcus Maye, or Obi Meliwanfu.
I’m a Steelers fan, so trust me I was watching and paying very close attention not only on draft night but through the entire process. Go back and check the mocks and scouting reports. Obviously they were wrong and there were plenty who liked Watt more, but Taco was highly rated by the majority.
I stand corrected about Watt, but I do agree with you about Charlton. I disagreed with Charlton’s higher rating by most media outlets, but that’s just what I thought. Most people other than me I think liked that pick for Dallas.
I’ll never forget watching Dallas take Taco over Watt.
Just another over-hyped Michigan player who flames out in the NFL.
Another Mel Kiper pick who was dogs_t!
Yeah, who would ever want to draft a player from Michigan? Absolutely no upside in getting someone like Tom Brady.
Will Parks was just a guy. The Denver media tried hard to make him sound like a sixth round “find”, but he never, ever, made a play.
He had that blocked PAT return, so there’s that.
Parks was a good depth option. There’s value in that.