Heading into the NFL's trade deadline on November 4, rumors consistently linked the Kansas City Chiefs to a number of reportedly available defensive linemen. Both edge rushers and interior tackles were expected to stay on the Chiefs' radar, since K.C. needed upgrades all around. Yet when the dust settled, the Chiefs declined to make any trades at all.
Surprisingly, the only move the Chiefs made on the same day was to bring back a familiar face: the signing of defensive end Malik Herring to the practice squad.
The Chiefs previously released Herring several days ago to create a roster opening. The Cincinnati Bengals had granted defensive tackle Mike Pennel's request for a release, and his move back to Kansas City was easily telegraphed before Week 9. Pennel played in 30 percent of snaps up front for Steve Spagnuolo's defense just four days later.
While Herring lost his active roster spot, he still holds very real value for K.C. and was never going to go anywhere, which is why it wasn't surprising to see him brought back into the fold in some way. The coaching staff has long appreciated the floor he provides as a reliable run stuffer, and his familiarity with the system—much like Derrick Nnadi—goes a long way with Spagnuolo's staff.
The Chiefs' only move on the day of the NFL's trade deadline was the decision to bring Herring back into the fold.
In order to create room for Herring, Kansas City decided to cut ties with wide receiver Jimmy Holiday, a former undrafted free agent signing invited into minicamps for both the Chiefs and Giants. An impressive tryout convinced the Chiefs to sign him, and the former Louisiana Tech product deserves credit for making it this far into the regular season. The Chiefs may keep him in mind, but New York's previous interest could also play into what's next for Holiday.
Herring first came to the Chiefs as a frustrated prospect in 2021. Instead of entering the pre-draft season with the momentum college players dream of having, Herring suffered a torn ACL in the Senior Bowl and had to sit out the NFL Combine, his pro day, and individual workouts. As a result, Herring went unselected and signed with the Chiefs after the draft.
To his credit, Herring beat the long odds against him as a stash on injured reserve for his rookie year. He's made the active roster in each of the last four seasons with 28 games played, including a Super Bowl LVIII appearance in the team's win over the San Francisco 49ers. Speaking of Super Bowls, Herring has multiple championship rings to show for his efforts as well.
Herring is back on the Chiefs' practice squad for now, but history suggests he'll be back on the active roster soon enough.