Chiefs Bolster Practice Squad with International TE, Reach IR Settlements

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the roster churn continues. On Friday, September 4, 2026, the team made a series of transactions that underscore their commitment to depth and strategic flexibility. The most notable move? Signing international tight end Thomas Odukoya to the practice squad with an international player exemption, a maneuver that allows the Chiefs to carry an extra player on their developmental unit.

International Pipeline Continues

Odukoya, a native of Amsterdam, took an unconventional path to the NFL. After playing at two junior colleges, he landed at Eastern Michigan for four seasons before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2022 as an International Pathway Player. He has appeared in only two NFL regular-season games, but his raw athleticism and unique background have kept him on the radar of scouts. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Chiefs have a history of leveraging the international exemption, having kept tackle Chu Godrick on the practice squad for the past three seasons. However, Godrick, who appeared in four games last season, was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, leaving a vacancy that Odukoya now fills.

This signing is a low-risk, high-reward move for Kansas City. With the exemption, the Chiefs can stash an additional player without sacrificing a standard practice squad spot. Odukoya's size (6'5", 258 lbs) and receiving ability could make him a developmental asset behind All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, who continues to defy age at 36. As the season progresses, Odukoya could provide depth and a unique skill set in practice, potentially earning a call-up if injuries strike.

Injury Settlements Clear the Way

In addition to the Odukoya signing, the Chiefs reached injury settlements with three players who were waived/injured during final roster cuts on Sunday. Quarterback Chris Oladokun, guard CJ Hanson, and running back EJ Smith have all been released from Kansas City's Reserve/Injured list. This move is procedural but significant: per NFL rules, players with fewer than four accrued seasons who are cut while injured revert to a team's IR if unclaimed. An injury settlement allows both parties to negotiate an estimated recovery timeline, with the player receiving a prorated portion of his base salary for the expected missed weeks.

While the exact terms of these settlements are rarely disclosed, the implications are clear. Once the settlement period expires, all three players will become free agents, eligible to sign with any of the NFL's other 31 teams—either to active rosters or practice squads. Notably, a return to Kansas City would be prohibited for an additional three weeks after that, a standard stipulation in such agreements. For Oladokun, a former Mr. Irrelevant (2022), this marks another chapter in his journeyman career. Hanson, an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross, and Smith, the son of Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, will also look to catch on elsewhere as they recover.

Strategic Roster Management

These moves reflect the Chiefs' meticulous approach to roster construction under general manager Brett Veach. By reaching settlements, the team clears IR slots and avoids long-term financial commitments, freeing up flexibility for future signings. Meanwhile, the international exemption for Odukoya highlights the organization's willingness to explore global talent, a trend that aligns with the NFL's broader international growth initiatives.

As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the Chiefs' practice squad now features an intriguing mix of veterans and developmental prospects. With the season opener just days away, these transactions could have ripple effects on the team's depth chart. For fans, the addition of Odukoya offers a fascinating storyline to monitor, while the released trio will be names to track as they seek new homes across the league.

Stay tuned to Vulius for comprehensive coverage of all NFL transactions and analysis as the 2026 season unfolds.