Chiefs Waive Kekoa Crawford; Steelers Sign Kuony Deng

Two NFL transactions on Monday involved former Cal players. Wide receiver Kekoa Crawford was waived by the Kansas City Chiefs with an injury waiver, and outside linebacker Kuony Deng signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The nature of Crawford’s injury is unknown, but he will be available to other teams on waivers once he is healthy. Crawford made a diving touchdown catch in the Chiefs’ first preseason game, but did not play in their second preseason game this past weekend. He had been absent from practice for the final two days of training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Crawford played three seasons at Cal and had 40 receptions for 513 yards in 2021.

Crawford was not taken in the 2022 NFL draft after completing his final season at Cal. He did not play for an NFL team last year, but signed with the Chiefs as a free agent in June 2023.

In Kansas City’s first preseason game, he had two catches for 8 yards, including the impressive 8-yard touchdown reception.

The Chiefs signed wide receiver Juwan Green.

Deng was waived by the Chicago Bears last week, but signed with the Steelers this week. He remains a long shot to make the Steelers’ regular-season roster, but may have a chance to join the Steelers practice squad.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Deng finished last season with the Bears’ organization after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons.

He played in the Bears first preseason game this year, but did not record any statistics.

Deng played three seasons at Cal, but he was limited to one game in his final season of 2021 when an injury early in the second game ended his season.

Cover photo of Kekoa Crawford by Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports

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