Kansas City, Missouri – The Kansas City Chiefs have made a decisive and pointed move. Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed the team has released a second-year running back — a player selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft who was once viewed as a potential depth piece in the backfield.
The official reason: The player has not participated in a single workout with the team since Phase 1 began.
While teammates — from the team’s biggest stars to the longest-tenured veterans — have attended every session, he chose instead to spend the time traveling.
At today’s press conference, Reid did not hold back: “Although the workouts are voluntary, none of our veteran players or No. 1 stars have missed a single session. While the entire team has been working hard to build our system and chemistry, he chose to go on vacation and hasn’t shown up for any workouts at all. His performance last season wasn’t good, and honestly he was already on our cut-candidate list. More importantly, his actions show he isn’t demonstrating any desire to improve or fight for a spot on this year’s roster. This isn’t just about physical training. This is about whether you truly want to be a Kansas City Chief or not.”
The player referenced by Reid is second-year running back Brashard Smith — the Chiefs’ seventh-round pick (No. 228 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Reid stressed that even though the Offseason Program is technically “voluntary,” it remains a critical period for the coaching staff to evaluate players’ attitude and commitment.
Brashard Smith, who saw limited action as a rookie in 2025 primarily on special teams and as a depth back, has now officially been placed on the cut list due to his complete absence from the program.
The decision sends a clear message from Reid and the Chiefs’ coaching staff: whether you’re a rookie or a second-year player with upside, no one is guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster if they fail to show professionalism and hunger.
The Chiefs remain in Phase 2 of the Offseason Program. The team will move into OTAs and the mandatory minicamp next week. Running back depth is now expected to be a priority for veteran signings or further additions in the coming weeks.
Update: A representative for Brashard Smith has not yet issued a comment on the matter.
The Los Angeles Rams moved quickly after their season-ending defeat, firing offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur in the immediate aftermath of their NFC Championship loss.
The Rams were eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks, who punched their ticket to Super Bowl LX with a dramatic win at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a near-flawless performance, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. His command of the offense consistently kept the Rams’ defense on its heels.
Matthew Stafford answered with a strong statistical night of his own, passing for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Still, the Rams failed to capitalize late, unable to complete a comeback in the final minutes.
Former Rams star Cooper Kupp played a decisive role against his old team, hauling in a critical fourth-quarter reception that allowed Seattle to maintain control of the game. Moments later, the Seahawks’ defense came up with a defining stop at the Rams’ six-yard line with under five minutes remaining.
While the loss was the breaking point, frustration with the Rams’ offensive system had been building throughout the 2025 season. Despite leading the NFL in total offense, Los Angeles repeatedly struggled to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Slow starts also plagued the unit, with several high-profile games featuring early three-and-out possessions that put unnecessary pressure on the defense. These patterns resurfaced in the biggest game of the year.
Protection issues further complicated matters, as Stafford continued to face heavy pressure against blitz-heavy defenses. The offensive line showed flashes but lacked consistent stability against adaptable schemes.
Internally, concerns remained about LaFleur’s ability to manage games independently. With Sean McVay retaining primary play-calling duties, questions persisted about in-game adjustments when opponents shifted strategies.
Following his dismissal, LaFleur reportedly did not hide his anger over how the season ended.
“The Seahawks cheated and it cost me my job. They can celebrate now, but I’ll be back, with the San Francisco 49ers or the Arizona Cardinals, and I’ll make sure they pay for it twice a year.”
The Rams’ decision signals a broader reset on offense, prioritizing efficiency and execution over raw yardage. As Los Angeles enters a critical offseason, the pressure is now on to find an offensive leader who can deliver when the stakes are highest.