The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line has faced its share of challenges this season with injuries forcing lineup adjustments as they try their best to protect Patrick Mahomes.
One player who stepped up in a big way in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns was Mike Caliendo, who filled in at left guard as Joe Thuney slid over to left tackle to cover for the injured D.J. Humphries. Caliendo, a restricted free agent this offseason, may have boosted his value significantly with his performance.
Caliendo faced a daunting task against a Browns defensive line featuring All-Pro Myles Garrett and standout defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Despite the tough matchup, Caliendo was instrumental in keeping Mahomes upright and despite the offense's struggles on the day, Caliendo's performance wasn't a part of it. The Browns' pass rush, which ranks among the league's best, was kept in check as Kansas City pulled off a critical 21-7 victory.
Mike Caliendo certainly made the most of his opportunity in Week 15 against Cleveland.
The Chiefs added Caliendo as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan back in 2022. He sat on the team's practice squad in 2022 but was a backup lineman in '23 who appeared in 8 games and was given very limited reps. This year, however, Caliendo appears to be the sixth man of sorts for a talented offensive interior and was finally rewarded for his hard work behind the scenes with a chance to start in Week 15.
For a player like Caliendo, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, opportunities to showcase talent are invaluable. The chance to supplant Thuney in an important late-season game will serve as a key piece of his resume when the offseason arrives. While the Chiefs can retain him with a restricted free agent tender, his ability to step in seamlessly and contribute may attract interest from teams seeking a potential starter along the offensive front.
Caliendo’s Week 15 performance wasn’t just about helping the Chiefs—it may have been a pivotal moment in shaping his career and financial future.