TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES
As the legendary Lee Corso would put it, “Not so fast.” Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn may not be returning to LSU after all. The Kansas City Chiefs claimed Pyburn off of the waiver wire on Monday, one day after the Buccaneers released him.
Pyburn is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit of over 40 players against the NCAA, Southeastern Conference and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey seeking a fifth season of eligibility under the association’s new five-year, age-based eligibility model. He expressed his intent to enroll at LSU if he was not on an NFL team after they cut down to 53-man rosters, but he may have found his new home with the Chiefs.
Pyburn led the NFL this preseason with four sacks to go along with 10 tackles in three games. Tampa Bay could not find room for him in a deep linebacker room, but he will now reunite with former LSU teammates Garrett Nussmeier and Mansoor Delane in Kansas City.
Pyburn signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent after going undrafted this spring. In his only season at LSU after transferring from Florida, he made 52 tackles and two sacks last season.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Blake Baker could have used his experience in the defensive end rotation this season. There is still a path to return to LSU if Pyburn desires and receives a favorable ruling in Thursday’s preliminary injunction hearing. He would have to terminate his NFL contract and pay back whatever money he has already received, but court documents show he planned to sign at LSU only if he was not on an active roster. Now that he has his opportunity in the league, he may be on to the next level for good.
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