Another former member of the Kansas City Chiefs has chosen to opt out of the 2020 season. This time it’s a former draft pick by the team, linebacker Ukeme Eligwe, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent during the 2020 offseason.
A fifth-round pick by the Chiefs in 2017, Eligwe appeared in 14 games with a single start in Kansas City. He recorded five tackles, one sack, two QB hits and one tackle for loss. The majority of his time was spent playing special teams, but the 6-2 and 239-pound linebacker showed promise in his first season.
During the 2018 offseason, Eligwe faced a competitive linebacker group that included free agents, trade acquisitions and draft picks such as Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, and Dorian O’Daniel. Eligwe was made expendable once undrafted linebacker Ben Niemann stood out during the course of training camp and the preseason. He was waived during 53-man roster cuts.
In 2018, Eligwe would latch on with the New York Giants, appearing in 10 games. He still played primarily on special teams, recording seven total tackles and a pass defended on the year. During the 2019 season, Eligwe split time between the practice squads of the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets.
Had Eligwe made the Raiders’ 53-man roster he would’ve seen the Chiefs twice during the 2020 season. Alas, we won’t get to see that storyline play out during the upcoming season.
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