Former Chiefs draft bust loses roster spot to rookie—update.

Former Bears draft bust Zacch Pickens parts ways with the Chiefs as he signs to their 90-man roster and then is waived, returning him to free agency ahead of OTAs for 2026. Pickens, a 2023 third-round pick, failed to make a significant impact in Chicago (28 games over two seasons) and spent the 2025 season mainly on is Chiefs’ practice squad before appearing in two final games. With his release, Pickens searches for a new team where he can compete for a spot in camp, though the Bears are unlikely to re-sign him.

Key context and implications:
– Pickens’ career trajectory shows limited production (44 tackles, two tackles for loss, four QB hits in 551 career snaps) despite good size and athleticism, making him a potential low-risk fallback option for teams evaluating defensive tackle depth.
– The Bears have strong interior depth and a busy 2025 offseason, having added players like Grady Jarrett, Andrew Billings, and Shemar Turner, while also drafting Jordan van den Berg in 2026. They appear unlikely to bring Pickens back.
– The 2026 Bears roster construction at defensive tackle centers on veteran presence and younger talent, with ongoing competition expected to emerge during OTAs and training camp.

Key takeaways:
– Zacch Pickens is entering free agency after being waived by the Chiefs, aiming to land with a new team before OTAs.
– The Bears’ front office appears reluctant to rekindle a reunion, prioritizing established contributors and new investments at defensive tackle.
– The broader takeaway for teams is Pickens’ situational value as a depth/competition option rather than a proven starter.