The Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man roster was revealed earlier this week, but fans know that the work for Brett Veach and Co. is far from over. The Chiefs have made several gambles in the early going, namely the inclusion of five undrafted free agents to fill out the depths of the roster.
And while it's impressive in a lot of ways that the front office found so many diamonds in the rough, it could also mean that the bottom of this team won't be all that difficult to churn over as Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season looms. Upgrades can still come in all shapes and sizes, and from anywhere.
As it stands now, Kansas City could certainly stand to bolster its wide receiver corps and its safety depth, and another piece on the interior offensive line wouldn't be met with much of an argument, either. Perhaps the solutions at these positions are hiding on other NFL practice squads.
If the early returns from these unproven players aren't good, then Veach may have to go scouring the next men up around the league and hedge his bets.
5 potential upgrades for Kansas City Chiefs who are hiding on NFL practice squads
Maximus Pulley, SAF, Philadelphia Eagles
Pulley was everywhere this preseason for the Eagles, and if not for a mundane showing in the finale, he may have cracked the 53. He shored up the back end in coverage this August, giving up just a single reception, and Pulley is a willing tackler and participant against the run. At this point, Pulley seems like a better bet as the backup free safety than Xavier Nwankpa, so it's one to consider.
Cam'ron Silmon-Craig, SAF, Jacksonville Jaguars
Silmon-Craig had a solid preseason for the Jaguars, showing dramatic improvement from where he was this time last year. He's a versatile player who can make plays in the box or deep, and Silmon-Craig was occasionally used as a blitzer, which Steve Spagnuolo would love. When he got real snaps in two games last year, Silmon-Craig fared just fine, and he's an above-average special teamer, too.
Jordan Hudson, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Hudson may not be the biggest wide receiver name on NFL practice squads right now, but he came alive in the final preseason game, catching four passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, reeling in several highlight catches. Hudson is a good run blocker and played on several special teams units as well, recording a handful of tackles. He just has that ability to "go off" in games, dating back to college.
Cole Wisniewski, SAF, Philadelphia Eagles
Wisniewski spent most of the preseason dealing with a hamstring injury, but when he was on the field, he looked like an NFL safety. His massive 6-foot-4, 220 pound frame certainly helps that perception, but Wisniewski also has serious coverage chops and isn't afraid to lay the boom and come help with the run. He held the Texas Tech defense together on the back end last year, and although he may not be immediately ready to go with his injury, Wisniewski could be a fun project or future play.
Cedric Tillman, WR, New Orleans Saints
Tillman has been on Chiefs fans' radars since before he was released. And now, he sits on the Saints' practice squad, ripe for the picking. Kansas City doesn't have a player his size or with his exact skill set in the receiver room, and Tillman has some NFL production under his belt. It's truly a wonder why no team has taken a chance on him yet. But the Chiefs have every reason to, so they should. Nikko Remigio is a fun returner, but Kansas City needs offensive help more than a few extra return yards.
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