clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Why was Mike Catapano cut by the Kansas City Chiefs?

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Every year there's one roster cut that takes you by surprise and this year it was Mike Catapano's release from the Kansas City Chiefs roster. A few reactions on his release that I saw on Twitter: wowowowowowowow ... really? ... wow ... WAT ... No f$&(ing way.

We figured the 2013 draft pick would make the team but he was among those cut on Saturday. We liked his film after his first preseason back after missing the entire 2014 season but then didn't talk much about him after that.

So we have to know: Why did the Chiefs cut Catapano?

I haven't secretly chatted with my old pals Andy Reid or John Dorsey -- we'll do that on Monday -- so this isn't coming from a place of authority but here are a few of my thoughts on why Catapano was expendable.

1. Because the Chiefs kept Dontari Poe on the roster. Poe is hurt and could be out for the early part of the season (we think). Check out the reserve linemen who the Chiefs kept --  Rakeem Nunez-Roches can play end and nose in a pinch, although I would predict is inactive on game days, and Nick Williams can also play end and nose. Catapano can't play both

2. Because Catapano isn't a full time player He is more of a pass rusher in their subpackages. The Chiefs need maximum versatility early on in the season when they're carrying Poe's roster spot while he's hurt. I like what Catapano brings as a pass rusher but the Chiefs needed to play it conservative.

3. Because Catapano is practice squad eligible. He was out for the entire 2014 season so perhaps he does need more time. The Chiefs could bring him back to the team on the practice squad and see what they've got moving forward.

4. Because Andy Reid said this after a preseason game: "I thought when he was with the ones, he probably wasn't as productive as when he was with the twos." He struggled against the first team but did well against the second team. That was a hint the Chiefs weren't sure if he was ready yet.

The bottom line here is that it's no guarantee that we've seen the last of Catapano. I believe he merits a spot on the practice squad. But then again, if I knew what I was talking about, wouldn't the Chiefs be paying me that Big Red money?

Arrowhead Pride Premier

Sign up now for a 7-day free trial of Arrowhead Pride Premier, with exclusive updates from Pete Sweeney on the ground at Arrowhead, instant reactions after each game, and in-depth Chiefs analysis from film expert Jon Ledyard.