The Kansas City Chiefs are firmly looking toward the future after losing to the L.A. Chargers on Sunday, a 16-13 loss at Arrowhead that knocked them completely out of the AFC playoff picture. With the shift in focus comes an intensity to rebuild the roster toward 2026 and beyond, and that journey begins with three weeks to go in the regular season.
The Chiefs visit the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, but the front office is already laying the groundwork for the long term. On Monday, the day after losing their eighth game of the year, the Chiefs worked out a total of 10 players from various positions in order to see who is available to get them through the rest of this year (and perhaps get a head start on the next).
It's clear the Chiefs were searching for help on the defensive side, since eight of the 10 players were either linebackers or defensive backs. In the end, the Chiefs ended up signing two of those who tried out, leaving the rest to wonder if they'll receive a call in the future. Those who received contracts to join the Chiefs' practice squad were interior offensive lineman Nick Broeker and defensive back Tanner McCalister. More on them in a second.
It is interesting, first, to note that the Chiefs also had running back Damien Martinez in on Monday to take a closer look at a rookie who was brought in before the 2025 NFL Draft as well. Draftniks liked him as a potential grab for K.C. on day three, and after he went undrafted, there was hope that he might land with the Chiefs. As it turned out, he's come and gone once again without a deal.
There's room for the Chiefs with the eventual promotion of Chris Oladokun to the active roster as Patrick Mahomes heads to injured reserve. Here's a look at the two latest additions to the Chiefs practice squad.
Nick Broeker, offensive line
Draft nerds might remember the name Nick Broeker from the very tail end of the 2023 edition when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the seventh round at No. 230 overall. The former Ole Miss lineman would only last two preseason games in Buffalo before being cut when active rosters were due.
From there, Broeker was rescued by the Texans in 2023, and he remained on Houston's roster until after the 2025 NFL Draft. Since then, he's had short preseason stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers before rejoining Buffalo's practice squad for the majority of this season. Now he's a member of the Chiefs as C.J. Hanson takes the leap to the next level. The Chiefs signed Hanson to the active roster before Week 15 after he was out of promotions.
Tanner McCalister, defensive back
Tanner McCalister has enjoyed a cup of coffee at the NFL level a couple of times now despite going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Following a four-year career at Oklahoma State, McCalister transferred to Ohio State in the hopes of raising his draft stock, but he was forced to sign with the Cleveland Browns as a rookie free agent in 2023.
McCalister spent the majority of his first NFL season on the Browns practice squad but found himself getting promoted to the active roster for three games. The same thing happened the next year with the Denver Broncos. Each time, he was not brought back for a second season, which is how he landed with the New York Jets for the preseason this year.
McCalister's value to the Chiefs would come on special teams, as he's got years of experience in coverage units at the college and pro levels. He comes with a bit of positional versatility having played safety while filling in at corner at Ohio State.