Damon Payne picked the toughest year to try to make the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs signed Payne, a 6-3, 308 lb. defensive lineman out of Michigan, as a rookie free agent shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft. In any other year, Payne would have a fairly clear path toward a potential roster spot with a strong training camp as an interior defender. But after years of neglecting the position, K.C. looks stronger up front, which complicates the path for a prospect like Payne in 2026.
Payne was a 5-star recruit out of Belleville, Michigan, which made him the No. 24 overall player in the 2021 class and No. 1 in the state. He chose Alabama over a long list of suitors and spent four years in Tuscaloosa, but ended his stint with only 30 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 fumble recoveries in 32 games played. From there, he transferred back to his home to play for Michigan and posted his best season, with 16 tackles and 2 tackles for loss in 13 games. He was also a two-time Defensive Player of the Week for the Wolverines in '25 (vs. New Mexico, vs. Washington).
The lack of box score production, however, fails to tell the story of Payne's on-field impact—or what Kansas City would ever expect from him. Whether at Alabama as a rotational run-stuffer or in his one year back in his home state, Payne provided value absorbing double teams for pass rushers around him (Rayshaun Benny in 2025), and there's always a roster spot for such a lineman up front as part of the greater whole.
As the Chiefs reinvent the defensive interior, Payne's potential angle onto the roster is in that sort of run-stuffing role provided by Derrick Nnadi or Mike Pennel in recent years. The Chiefs have leaned on vets to handle those chores, with Steve Spagnuolo referencing his trust for those guys over and over during that time. However, the youth movement has taken hold, which is where Payne has a potential way in.
The competition is stiff for any remaining roster spots after watching general manager Brett Veach stock the cupboards along the defensive interior for the first time in years. Chris Jones remains the cornerstone, but former New England Patriots tackle Khyiris Tonga was the prize up front in free agency. Last year's second-round pick, Omarr Norman-Lott, will return from a season-ending injury, and this year's first-round pick Peter Woods, will join him. Together, that's four significant investments claiming prime real estate on the roster.
Still, there's room for one more, but Payne is not alone in his pursuit of the spot. Other undrafted free agents include Texas' Cole Brevard and Colorado's Amari McNeill. Marcus Harris is also hanging around from late last season after joining the practice squad in December. It's also possible the Chiefs bring back a veteran or flirt with the free-agent market between now and the start of training camp.
Meanwhile, all Payne can do is put his head down and go to work to try to be the next Michigan lineman to make a home in Kansas City in the last few years—a list that includes Mike Danna, Frank Clark, and Taco Charlton, The Chiefs interior looks better than it has in a decade. Payne can only hope to be a part of the picture.
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