The Kansas City Chiefs claimed linebacker Jack Pyburn off waivers Monday, derailing LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s efforts to add the former Tiger to his roster. Pyburn had been weighing a return to college football after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him during final roster cuts.
The 22-year-old defensive player impressed during Tampa Bay’s preseason, recording four sacks before failing to make the team’s 53-man roster. Kansas City’s waiver claim places Pyburn on an NFL roster rather than in a college uniform, effectively ending LSU’s recruitment of the young linebacker.
Pyburn’s availability stemmed from ongoing NCAA eligibility litigation in Louisiana that temporarily allowed former college players to potentially return to their schools. Kiffin has publicly defended LSU’s aggressive pursuit of such players, arguing the program would recruit them regardless of where others might compete for their services.
For Kansas City, the acquisition adds depth to the linebacker position with a pass rusher who demonstrated NFL-level ability. The Chiefs also claimed defensive tackle Bryson Eason in the same transaction, bolstering their defensive roster before their season opener. LSU, meanwhile, must adjust its roster plans ahead of its September 5 matchup against Clemson.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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