The New York Jets made three waiver claims on Wednesday afternoon.
One of them has fans of the three-time reigning AFC champions in shambles.
Upon seeing the news of rookie offensive tackle Esa Pole being claimed by the Jets, Kansas City Chiefs fans erupted into a unanimous uproar, going as far as to call the move “terrible.”
Fans were already labeling the release of Pole as “crazy” before he was claimed.
Pole is an undrafted rookie from Washington State. He stole the hearts of Chiefs fans with a standout run in the preseason, allowing zero sacks, hits, or pressures on 49 pass-blocking snaps and committing zero penalties on 68 offensive snaps.
A native of Hayward, California, Pole began his college career at Chabot College, a community college in his hometown. After two years, he transferred to Washington State, working his way to the Cougars’ starting left tackle role in 2024.
Pole had a stellar senior season as a pass blocker, allowing no sacks and just nine pressures over 499 pass-blocking snaps. However, his run blocking was subpar, and scouting reports were critical of his technique and lack of experience. Those flaws, when combined with subpar athletic testing (5.70 Relative Athletic Score as a tackle), led to Pole going undrafted.
Despite the red flags, Pole came out in the preseason and displayed impressive potential. It wasn’t enough to earn a roster spot with the three-time Super Bowl champions, but he commanded attention around the league. Now, Pole will have a chance to establish himself as a top backup with the Jets’ young, up-and-coming offensive line.