Louis

Rees-Zammit

Rees-Zammit was let go by the Chiefs during roster cutdowns, but he hopes to continue his NFL dream with the Jaguars. The 23-year-old rugby star rushed six times for 22 yards in the preseason and caught one pass for three yards. We’d expect him to join the Jaguars’ practice squad with a chance to be later elevated to the 53-man roster during the season.

Rees-Zammit is one of a handful of rugby stars who have struggled to secure a roster spot in recent years. Hoping to catch on as a running back/returner with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit totaled six carries for 22 yards this preseason and added one catch for three years. At just 23 years old, it’s possible the Chiefs bring back Rees-Zammit as a member of the practice squad to continue working with him.

The rugby superstar, who signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs in March, could be used at multiple positions in the KC offense, but will begin in the backfield. ESPN’s Adam Teicher suggested the Chiefs “will look at Rees-Zammit at running back and perhaps wide receiver” and as a possible kick returner. That Rees-Zammit signed a three-year deal with guaranteed money means he’ll likely make the roster in 2024 and could see regular playing time. Reid conceded going from pro rugby to the NFL is “not an easy transition, but he seems to be wired” for the NFL game. Rees-Zammit is reportedly working with Patrick Mahomes in Texas before Kansas City’s official offseason workouts.

It’s quite the deal for someone who has never played organized football. The Chiefs inked Rees-Zammit, 23, to the deal after he spent ten weeks training at IMG Academy and ran a 4.43 40-yard dash. ESPN’s Adam Tiecher said the Chiefs “will look at Rees-Zammit at running back and perhaps wide receiver,” though “his biggest immediate impact could come on special teams and particularly as a return specialist under the NFL’s new kickoff format.” That Rees-Zammit didn’t sign a one-year flier deal with KC likely means he’ll see immediate playing time in 2024, perhaps as a gadget player. He’s worth monitoring in deeper fantasy formats.

Rees-Zammit is a 23-year-old Welsh rugby player who joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program earlier this year. He visited the Browns, Jets, Broncos, and Chiefs, impressing the Chiefs enough to sign him. Rees-Zammit has played rugby in Wales, England, and internationally. The reigning champion Chiefs now add him with the intent of trying to play him at running back and/or wide receiver.