Brett Veach and his staff capped months (and years, really) of work with their seventh and final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft at No. 228 overall when they chose Brashard Smith, a running back out of SMU. It was the cherry on top of a draft class intent on laying a new defensive foundation while also netting a potential blue-chip left tackle in Josh Simmons.
But just in case you thought the work was done—or at least paused—for Veach and Co., the truth is that the frenzy really begins after Mr. Irrelevant is announced. That's when teams can begin officially signing undrafted free agents to contracts to round out the offseason 90-man rosters.
Some new faces will earn major signing bonuses, putting them in a better financial position than if they were actually drafted. Other prospects will earn tryout opportunities with the hopes of parlaying that into a stronger opportunity to make the team with a contract offer.
The Chiefs have had a lot of luck in recent years with undrafted free agents. Last season, fullback Carson Steele surprised everyone and made the active roster out of training camp. In free agency, the Chiefs just watched the Carolina Panthers steal Turk Wharton away for big money after enjoying the fruits of finding him at Missouri S&T.
Who will be the big addition this year? Per Over the Cap, the Chiefs are likely to only sign 7 undrafted rookies this season due to the size of the active roster already. That said, there are always cuts made after a draft, so if Veach likes what he sees on the open market with the influx of first-year players, we might see a few more than that. Also watch out for rookie mini-camp invites.
Here are the Chiefs' undrafted free agent signings
Damien Alford, WR, Utah (minicamp invite)
The Vikings and Colts were two of the teams that invited Alford to try out but he declined in order to go with Kansas City. The Canadian receiver officially was on Utah's roster last season but deferred his eligibility to Florida Atlantic in 2026. Then he decided to turn pro in '25 anyway. Played his first four seasons at Syracuse.
Sheldon Arnold, CB, UCF (minicamp invite)
The former FCS All-American (ETSU) transferred to Central Florida and tied for the team lead in solo tackles with 40 while adding an interception.
Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida
Had 39 catches for 806 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Led the Gators in receiving this season. Labeled as draftable by some NFL analysts.
Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
A legend at the tight end position at Clemson, Briningstone left as the school's all-time leader in catches (127) and second in yards (1,380) and touchdowns (17) at the position.
Will Brooks, DB, Tennessee
A fan favorite for the Vols stays with his teammate Omarr Norman-Lott. Former walk-on is forever immortalized for intercepting a Jalen Miroe pass to cement a win over Alabama in '24.
Ajani Carter, DB, Houston (minicamp invite)
Had 22 tackles and 3 pass deflections in his only season at Houston after having transferred from Utah State (2019-2022) with 40 starts there.
Jared Casey, TE, Kansas
Casey had 53 catches for 635 yards and 10 scores in his career with the Jayhawks.
Jason Collier Jr., OT, Pitt
Part-time starter at Pitt at guard and tackle after transitioning from tight end in 2020.
Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State
The big 6'7" tackle from Oklahoma State had 49 career starts across seasons with both the Cowboys and at Texas State. Allowed only one sack last season across 464 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF.
Jacobe Covington, CB, USC
Chiefs add another USC product (see Eddie Czaplicki) to the UDFA list with a lengthy defensive back. Good special teams experience could serve him well trying to turn heads on multiple fronts.
Eddie Czaplicki, P, USC
Won the Ray Guy award as the nation's best punter for USC last season. Could be some interesting competition for Matt Araiza going into camp.
Mac Dalena, WR/returner, Fresno State
Smaller returner/receiver at 5'10, 180 lbs. who ran an impressive 4.36-second time in the 40 and had elite times in the shuttle as well. Had 64 catches for 1,065 yards last season. Joins Nikko Remigio as returners from Fresno State.
Chace Davis, DL, Bowling Green (minicamp invite)
Had 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a rotational lineman for Bowling Green last season. Transferred from UT-San Antonio.
Paxton DeLaurent, QB, SEMO (minicamp invite)
Shoulder injury ended his '23 campaign prematurely but rebounded to throw for 4,087 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions last season.
Trey Flint, LS, Missouri (minicamp invite)
Rookie minicamp needs someone to serve a long-snapping role so the Chiefs give Flint the chance to perform those duties.
Sean Fresch, DB, Rice (minicamp invite)
Comes to Chiefs' minicamp with solid punt return experience. Had 50 tackles last season for Rice. Earned honorable mention All-AAC in '24.
Brandon George, LB, Pittsburgh
George put on an incredible showing at his pro day with a 4.60 second time in the 40-yard dash and a 42.5-inch vertical, which would have been first at the NFL Combine among linebackers. Played six years at Pitt and had 80 tackles and 2 sacks a year ago.
Marvin Grant Jr., DB, Kansas (minicamp invite)
Former Jayhawks safety had 3 sacks and 6 pass deflections a year ago. Three years of starting experience after transferring from Purdue.
Jaaron Hayek, WR, Villanova (minicamp invite)
Hayek's name should be familiar to die-hard Chiefs fans because he was with the team last season. He's returning from injury and the Chiefs are giving him a chance to join this year's rookies. Our interview with him from last year can be found here.
Kevin Hester, Jr., DT, UNC (minicamp invite)
The 6'3", 305 lb. lineman from UNC had 40 tackles last season in his sixth season with the Tar Heels.
Cozziah Izzard, DT, Penn State
Had 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks along the interior for the Nittany Lions last season.
Qualan Jones, RB, Stephen F. Austin
A bowling ball of a running back at 5'10, 242 lbs. Had 147 carries for 779 rushing yards with 8 scores last season. Former Baylor transfer.
Robert Jones III, CB, Howard (minicamp invite)
The Vikings have also extended an invite to Jones to join their rookie camp, which shows the Howard product was on the board for multiple teams. Ran a 4.45 second time in the 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Jimmy Holiday, WR, Louisiana Tech (minicamp invite)
Served as a sort of jack-of-all-trades after transferring from Western Kentucky. Had 48 carries for 182 yards and 4 touchdowns, yet also caught 36 passes for 476 yards and 2 scores. Also invited to Giants rookie camp.
Nathan Kapongo, DL, Akron (minicamp invite)
Kapongo had 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles for the Zips after transferring from New Hampshire.
Kevin Knowles, CB, Florida State
A 5'11" corner who mostly started inside for the Seminoles at nickel. Had 32 total tackles and 4 PBUs.
Vershon Lee, OL, South Carolina (minicamp invite)
Vershon Lee will get a look from both the Chiefs and Bears at minicamps this spring hoping to latch on with the team.
Joey Lombard, OL, South Dakota (minicamp invite)
Starting center for South Dakota who was named second-team All-American in '24.
Nate Matlack, EDGE, Pitt (minicamp invite)
Transferred from K-State to Pitt and enjoyed a strong season with 7.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Glendon Miller, DB, Maryland
Very lengthy defensive back at 6'3" who had an impressive pro day. Comes with experience at strong safety, free safety, box corner. Might even be able to transition outside. Versatility should help him stick.
Austin Moore, LB, Kansas State (minicamp invite)
The Chiefs invited a couple of former K-State products to rookie camp. Moore had 63 tackles last season and was the Rate Bowl defensive MVP in a win over Rutgers.
Michael Moore, LB, UAB (minicamp invite)
The Chiefs bring aboard UAB's leading tackler from a year ago in Michael Moore, who also had 2 interceptions in '24.
R.J. Oben, EDGE, Notre Dame (minicamp invite)
Started 14 games last season for the Fighting Irish after transferring from Duke. Had 14 sacks and 4 forced fumbles over his final three years at Duke.
Jireh Ojata, DE, Purdue (minicamp invite)
Rotational rusher from Purdue gets a chance to show what he can do with the Chiefs in a tryout situation.
Spencer Petras, QB, Utah State (minicamp invite)
Jalen Royals will get the chance to catch some passes from his college QB before he transitions to Patrick Mahomes in Chiefs minicamp. Petras is also invited to join the Chargers as well.
Esa Pole, OT, Washington State
Experienced tackle with pro-level quickness who stands 6'5", 320 lbs. Didn't allow a single sack on pass-protection reps in 2024. Took an official pre-draft visit with the Chiefs.
Jake Roberts, TE, Oklahoma (minicamp invite)
The Chiefs and Raiders both extended invites to take a closer look at Roberts, who has 12 catches for 112 yards in a single season with the Sooners.
Tristan Sinclair, LB, Stanford (minicamp invite)
Sinclair, a 6'1", 235 lb. linebacker, had 77 tackles, 6.5 of them for a loss, and 2 sacks last season at Stanford.
Chuck Smith IV, DL, Villanova (minicamp invite)
The Chiefs invite Chuck Smith IV to minicamp, giving them another dip into the Villanova pass-rushing pool after drafting Tanoh Kpassagnon years ago. Transferred from Wofford to Villanova.
Melvin Smith Jr., DB, Southern Arkansas
Small-school corner who dominated with 9 interceptions over the last two seasons, returning 3 of them for touchdowns.
Blaise Sparks, OL, Delaware (minicamp invite)
Former Illinois tackle transferred to Delaware and benefits from being at Brett Veach's alma mater. Had 12 starts last season.
Chris Tennant, K, Kansas State (minicamp invite)
The Chiefs always invite potential emergency specialists to join their spring minicamps. Tennant went 17 for 21 last season on field goal attempts.
Kenyatta Watson II, DB, Georgia State (minicamp invite)
Was named All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention in his only season with Georgia State after transferring from Georgia Tech. Had 2 interceptions last season.
Tre Watson, TE, Texas A&M (minicamp invite)
Tight end prospect who had 21 catches for 281 yards and 1 touchdown for the Aggies after transferring over from Fresno State.
Jake Wiley, OL, Houston (minicamp invite)
Wiley comes to the Chiefs with experience on the right side of Houston's o-line at guard and tackle after transferring from UCLA.
Major Williams, DB, Carson-Newman (minicamp invite)
Small-school prospect had 26 pass deflections, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 4 interceptions in his three-year career at Carson-Newman.
Dante Wright, WR, Temple (minicamp invite)
Temple's top receiver last season was named first-team All-AAC after hauling in 61 passes for 792 yards before missing the final four games due to injury.
Elijah Young, RB, Western Kentucky
Former Missouri back joined the Hilltoppers. Joins the Chiefs with return experience. Caught 47 passes out of the backfield last season for 384 yards to go with 883 rushing yards.
Zach Zebrowski, QB, Central Missouri (minicamp invite)
The Chiefs invite a local product to hang at their minicamp. Threw 40 touchdowns last season with 4,724 passing yards for the Mules.