Chiefs Waive Returner Nikko Remigio, DE Jack Pyburn to Make Room for Josh Downs
Kansas City made the Josh Downs trade official Wednesday and cleared two roster spots, including the one held by its primary return man of three seasons
The Chiefs waived wide receiver and return specialist Nikko Remigio on Wednesday, one of two moves to open space for newly acquired receiver Josh Downs. Kansas City also waived defensive end Jack Pyburn when it announced that the Downs trade was official.
The #Chiefs have waived WR/returner Nikko Remigio, an undrafted free agent in 2023 who returned more than 100 kicks and punts combined for the team. This could signal Josh Downs being used in that role.View on X →
Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate): The #Chiefs have waived WR/returner Nikko Remigio, an undrafted free agent in 2023 who returned more than 100 kicks and punts combined for the team. This could signal Josh Downs being used in that role.
Remigio's release is the notable one. The 2023 undrafted free agent out of Fresno State had been the Chiefs' primary returner for three seasons and has appeared in all eight games this year, handling 12 kickoff returns and 14 punt returns while playing just two offensive snaps. He is now on waivers and can be claimed by any of the other 31 clubs.
Pyburn never got on the field in Kansas City. The Chiefs claimed him off waivers from Tampa Bay during final cuts in August after he led the league in preseason sacks with the Buccaneers, but he was a healthy scratch in all eight games.
The bigger question is who returns kicks and punts for a 6-2 team that visits the Falcons on Sunday. Downs has 32 career punt returns and two kickoff returns from his time with the Colts, though his main job will be in the slot. Kansas City sent 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks to Indianapolis for Downs and a 2027 seventh after general manager Brett Veach said receiver was the deadline focus. The receiver room needed help, with Xavier Worthy day-to-day with a hamstring injury from Sunday's 35-12 win over the Jets. Rookies Cyrus Allen and Emmett Johnson are other in-house return options.