Esa Pole’s Promotion May Be Short-Term, But the Long-Term Signals Are Loud and Clear
The Kansas City Chiefs made a quiet but potentially telling move ahead of their Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, promoting rookie offensive tackle Esa Pole from the practice squad. While Pole didn’t suit up-he was placed on the inactive list for the game-the decision to elevate him at all could be the first real sign that the Chiefs are starting to see him as more than just a developmental project.
Let’s be clear: Pole didn’t get his NFL debut this time. But the fact that he was even in the conversation speaks volumes about how Kansas City views his trajectory.
Reading Between the Lines on the Chiefs’ O-Line
With Trey Smith sidelined at right guard, there was some buzz around how the Chiefs might reshuffle their offensive line. One potential scenario had swing tackle Jaylon Moore sliding inside to fill in at guard, which would’ve opened the door for someone like Pole to step in as the new swing tackle. That idea gained even more traction after Wanya Morris was left inactive the week prior in a tight win over the Colts-a move that raised eyebrows about his standing with the coaching staff.
Instead, Moore stayed in his usual swing tackle role, Morris was back on the active roster, and Pole ended up as the odd man out. But even if the door didn’t open all the way, it did crack-enough to let us see that Pole is firmly on the Chiefs’ radar.
From Undrafted to Intriguing
Pole’s journey has already taken a few twists. After going undrafted out of Washington State, he initially signed with the Chiefs as a rookie free agent.
When roster crunches hit, he was let go and picked up by the Jets. But when New York released him in late October, Kansas City didn’t hesitate to bring him back to the practice squad.
Since then, he’s been quietly grinding, and this late-season elevation wasn’t just a courtesy call. The Chiefs don’t make these moves lightly. Promoting a rookie offensive tackle this deep into the season-especially one who’s been on and off rosters-suggests they see something worth developing.
Injuries Could Fast-Track His Opportunity
The timing of Pole’s elevation also coincides with a growing list of injuries on the Chiefs’ offensive line. Josh Simmons is dealing with a wrist injury, and Jawaan Taylor suffered an ankle injury in Week 13. That’s left Moore stepping in as a starter, and suddenly the depth at tackle feels a lot thinner than it did a few weeks ago.
If Taylor or Simmons misses more time, the Chiefs may have no choice but to dip deeper into their bench. That could put Pole one step closer to seeing real game action. And if he does get that shot, it’ll be because he’s earned the trust of a coaching staff that doesn’t hand out opportunities lightly.
Looking Ahead: A Position in Flux
Beyond the immediate injury concerns, there’s also a broader context to consider. Taylor’s contract could make him a cap casualty this offseason.
Moore is set to hit free agency after 2026, and Morris is on the same timeline. That leaves Simmons as the only long-term lock at tackle-and even he’s still early in his development.
That’s why Pole’s emergence matters. He might not be a household name, but he’s a name worth watching.
The Chiefs are clearly preparing for some transition up front, and Pole is now part of that conversation. Whether he becomes a swing tackle, a rotational piece, or something more, Kansas City is giving him the runway to prove he belongs.
Still a Long Climb Ahead
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Pole is still an undrafted rookie who’s been waived twice in his first NFL season.
He hasn’t played a snap yet, and he’s not currently on the active roster. But the Chiefs like what they’ve seen enough to keep him close, and that’s not nothing.
For now, the door remains cracked open. And in a league where opportunity often comes down to timing and readiness, Esa Pole is inching closer to his shot. Whether it comes this season or next, the Chiefs are clearly keeping him in their plans-and that alone makes him a name to remember.