1 Chiefs undrafted free agent who will make 2026 roster

The Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as a genuine dynasty in recent years. They appeared in five Super Bowls over a six-year span, winning the big game three times during that time. It all came crashing down this past season, though, as the Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time during the Patrick Mahomes era during the 2025-26 season. The team is looking to get back on track, and they’ve really impressed in adding to the roster so far this offseason.

For example, the Kenneth Walker signing was one of the best moves of free agency. The team also re-signed Travis Kelce to ensure the core stays intact. Kansas City even had a great 2026 NFL Draft performance. The team left the first round with arguably the best cornerback in this class, Mansoor Delane, and arguably the best defensive tackle, Peter Woods.

Furthermore, R Mason Thomas was a fantastic addition to bolster the Chiefs’ pass rush, and Garrett Nussmeier was a worthwhile gamble in round seven. The Chiefs didn’t stop adding rookies to the roster when the draft ended, though. They were one of the biggest winners of undrafted free agency, too. It is incredibly rare for undrafted rookies to actually make the 53-man roster, but a player who didn’t hear his name called on draft day will almost certainly make the team in Kansas City.

Jeff Caldwell will make the Chiefs’ roster Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images The Chiefs were aggressive in adding undrafted free agents. Jaydn Ott, Al-Jay Henderson, Omari Evans, John Michael Gyllenborg, Vincent Anthony, and Wesley Bissainthe were some of their top signings. Their best addition was Jeff Caldwell, though. The receiver from Cincinnati was one of the very best players who didn’t get drafted.

In fact, Caldwell was projected by many to be a fifth or sixth-round selection. His path to the NFL certainly has been unique. A late high school growth spurt resulted in Caldwell blooming from 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-5. The former soccer player took on football later than most prospects, but his athletic prowess quickly translated to success on the gridiron.

Caldwell started his collegiate career at Lindenwood University before transferring to Cincinnati. His numbers didn’t pop with the Bearcats, as he had just 32 receptions for 478 yards during his senior season, but his speed-size combination gives him tons of potential at the next level. The jumbo-sized X receiver ran a 4.31 40-yard dash, meaning he can make an impact as a deep threat. He has the catch radius to win 50/50 balls and excel in the red zone, too.

The Chiefs have needed more size and speed in their receiving corps for some time now. The offense was at its best back when Tyreek Hill was burning cornerbacks on deep routes. More recently, the Chiefs’ receiver room has had too many undersized players. Patrick Mahomes is still one of the best players in the NFL, and he can create a lot of magic regardless of who he is throwing to, but it would be nice if the two-time MVP had a reliable security blanket.

The offense will need even more help if Mahomes is forced to miss time with his torn ACL next season. Caldwell is unlikely to surpass Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, or Tyquan Thornton on the depth chart, but he does have a great chance to make the 53-man roster. Behind those three, the pass-catching depth in Kansas City is questionable. Caldwell will have to compete with fellow rookie Cyrus Allen, who has a leg up on Caldwell because of his status as a fifth-round pick, but there is enough room for two first-year players to make the roster.

Caldwell is still a little bit raw, which could work against him with a Chiefs team in win-now mode. He could really help take the Chiefs’ offense to the next level, though, so expect to see him playing on Sundays next season.