The Kansas City Chiefs are adding depth to their backfield, signing former Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce to the practice squad. The move, reported Sunday by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, offers a chance at redemption for a player who showed immense promise early in his career.
For Pierce, it’s a fresh start. For the Chiefs, it’s a low risk, high reward move that adds a powerful runner to their pool of talent.
Why Did the Chiefs Sign Pierce?
Kansas City has a crowded running back room, but Pierce brings a unique skill set. His rookie season in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular. He rumbled for 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns, adding another 165 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. He was a bright spot on a struggling Texans team, a bruising runner who seemed destined for a long, productive career.
However, his momentum stalled. In 2023, his rushing yards dipped to 416, and he found himself losing snaps. By 2024, he was largely a non factor, and this season, he was a healthy scratch for most games, carrying the ball just 10 times in four appearances before being waived by the Texans last week.
After clearing waivers, Pierce became a free agent, allowing the Chiefs to sign him without giving up any assets. This move provides Kansas City with an experienced player who can contribute on the practice squad and potentially serve as an injury replacement. His experience as a kick returner, where he has 20 career returns and one touchdown, also adds another layer of value.
What Does This Mean for Pierce and the Chiefs?
For Pierce, this is an opportunity to reset his career in a championship environment. Joining the Chiefs’ practice squad allows him to learn a new system, work with a top tier coaching staff, and prove he still has the talent that made him a fourth round pick. It’s a moment of humility, but also one of immense opportunity. The path from the practice squad to the active roster is difficult, but it’s a journey many players have successfully made.
For the Chiefs, the signing is a savvy roster move. It bolsters their depth at a physically demanding position without requiring a significant financial commitment. With the grind of a long season and the unpredictability of injuries, having a player of Pierce’s caliber available is a significant advantage. If he can recapture even a fraction of his rookie year form, he could become a valuable piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
While his role is initially limited to the practice squad, Pierce’s story is far from over. This move to Kansas City is a new chapter, a chance to turn a career setback into a comeback story.
