NCAA Football: SEC Football Kickoff Media Days
Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Kansas City Chiefs have disrupted Lane Kiffin’s plans for LSU by claiming linebacker Jack Pyburn off NFL waivers. Pyburn had been discussed as a possible return to Baton Rouge after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 22-year-old linebacker posted four sacks during the Buccaneers’ preseason but failed to secure a roster spot. Kansas City then claimed him Monday, ending LSU’s hopes of adding the former Tiger.
Pyburn’s situation became possible because of ongoing eligibility litigation in Louisiana. A temporary restraining order allowed players involved in the case to potentially return to college football.
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However, his spot on Kansas City’s 53-man roster likely ends his SEC return plans. The Chiefs also claimed defensive tackle Bryson Eason after San Francisco released him Sunday.
Kiffin has openly defended LSU’s decision to pursue players caught between college and professional football. “At the end of the day, because of these rulings, they’re either going to play for you or they’re going to play for someone else around the country,” Kiffin said earlier.
“So we’ve made the decision to recruit them like probably most people are,” Kiffin added.
Chiefs gain defensive depth as LSU loses potential addition
Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
For Kansas City, the move adds a young linebacker who showed pass-rushing ability during the preseason. Pyburn’s four sacks gave the Chiefs a clear reason to take a chance after Tampa Bay waived him.
From a roster perspective, the claim fits Kansas City’s approach to adding competition behind established defensive players. Pyburn now gets an opportunity to develop within Andy Reid’s system rather than immediately returning to college.
Meanwhile, for LSU, the timing creates a difficult roster situation before its season opener against Clemson on September 5. Kiffin must now adjust without a player who could have provided experience and defensive versatility.
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The move also highlights the uncertainty created by the eligibility litigation. College programs can pursue players with NFL experience, but NFL teams can still retain those players through standard roster mechanisms.
In Pyburn’s case, LSU saw a potential defensive addition, while Kansas City saw an opportunity to strengthen its roster before opening the season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.
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