The Kansas City Chiefs are reaching back into their undrafted pool for help on the defensive line, and former Iowa standout Ethan Hurkett is getting another shot.
With injuries stacking up during training camp, Kansas City has been forced to look outside the building for depth. The defensive line has taken a particularly heavy hit, and after defensive end Ethan Downs tore his ACL early in camp, the Chiefs moved to bring Hurkett back into the mix.
The #Chiefs have signed DE Ethan Hurkett.
Per, @MattDerrick. pic.twitter.com/BKwDe1M3mv
- Arrowhead Corner (@ArrowheadCorner) August 1, 2026
Hurkett had already been through this once. After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, he signed with the Chiefs alongside fellow undrafted Hawkeye Xavier Nwankpa, but he was waived shortly after rookie minicamp wrapped up. Now he’s back in Kansas City, with a real chance to show what he can do over the remaining preseason slate.
For Iowa, Hurkett’s rise came after a long development curve. The Cedar Rapids native broke through as a full-time starter in 2024-2025 and made that opportunity count, finishing with 36 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He turned himself into a dependable piece for the Hawkeyes after his first three seasons, and now Iowa has to replace that production as he takes his first steps as a pro.
The timing gives Hurkett roughly two weeks to get comfortable in the Chiefs’ system before their first preseason game against the Rams. He’ll have a shot to earn a place on the 53-man roster before cuts later this month, though nothing is guaranteed for an undrafted free agent. Even if he gets waived again, he could catch on with another team, with the practice squad also in play.
For now, though, Hurkett has the kind of opportunity every fringe roster player wants: another chance, in the same place, with a path still open.
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