The start of every NFL season is an exciting time for so many new players in the league, as lifelong dreams come true with the chance to actually play professional football. But every new face in the league means another player has been pushed aside, and that creates a shadow at this time of year for those who've yet to find meaningful work in the league before the games begin.
Several former Kansas City Chiefs players are still hoping to hear the phone ring. Some veterans will find their path when injuries create opportunites. Other teams might reach out once Week 1 is over and contracts become non-guaranteed for vets. But some players might be facing the music, the end of a run in the NFL. Here's a look at the familiar faces who are still looking for a roster spot.
Kareem Hunt, RB
The Detroit Lions are the only team that has shown any real interest in Hunt in the last few months, at least in any public-facing way. A summer visit never turned into an official relationship, but with Isiah Pacheco, another former Chief, on injured reserve, it's possible that Detroit will extend an olive branch after Week 1, when veteran contracts are no longer guaranteed for the full season. If not, it could be a long year ahead as Hunt contemplates his future.
Mike Edwards, S
Edwards was a perennial favorite as a return candidate for the Chiefs as a veteran safety and special-teamer who could set a reliable floor for an ever-young secondary. This year, however, Alohi Gilman is the experienced leader who is atop the depth chart while the developmental players fall in below him. If the decision backfires and a younger player like Xavier Nwankpa shows he's not ready for the NFL just yet, as an undrafted free agent, then it's possible Edwards is called.
Tyreek Hill, WR
"One of these things is not like the other." Hill is recovering from a rather gruesome leg injury that ended his season last fall. Now a free agent after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Hill is a good bet to reunite with Kansas City if he can get a clean bill of health. This marriage has felt arranged since Hill became a free agent once again last February, and if it happens, the wide receiver has a chance to climb toward Otis Taylor's all-time wide receiving mark of 7.306 yards in K.C.
Chris Lammons, CB
Lammons was a favorite of special teams coordinator Dave Toub for three seasons in K.C. after initially playing in Miami as a former priority free agent. Lammons leveraged that experience into a spot on the Indianapolis Colts' roster for each of the last three seasons and gained increasing reps on defense as well in the team's injury-depleted secondary. Given his experience, it feels like Lammons will find somewhere to latch on as a role player in 2026, perhaps after an injury arises for a needy team.
Janarius Robinson, DE
Chiefs Kingdom never got a look at Janarius Robinson off the edge in any meaningful sense. The former Raiders defensive end was signed to a one-year deal in free agency in 2025, but was sidelined for the year by a preseason injury. His deal expired last March, and he's remained available ever since. He was always going to be on the roster bubble for K.C., but it would make sense for some team to find spot on the practice squad, at least, given the NFL's constant need for edge rushers.
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