The Kansas City Chiefs signed 20 undrafted free agents after the 2026 NFL Draft, continuing general manager Brett Veach’s approach of adding talent once the draft ends. According to Chiefs senior reporter Matt McMullen, the group will head to rookie minicamp, where they’ll compete for roster spots before Organized Team Activities begin later this month.
Undrafted players have made an impact for Kansas City in recent years. Wide receiver Byron Pringle, who signed in 2018, worked his way into a role after spending his first season on injured reserve. That kind of path has created real opportunity for this year’s group.
Several of the undrafted players will participate in the three-day minicamp, while others have already signed contracts with the team.
Chiefs Undrafted Free Agent Class Includes Athletic Prospects
Kansas City’s 2026 undrafted class features a mix of size, speed, and production across multiple positions.
Wide receiver Jeff Caldwell out of Cincinnati stands out due to his physical traits. At 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, Caldwell ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and posted a 42-inch vertical jump. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner noted his “rare blend of size and elite athleticism,” despite limited experience at the FBS level.
Edge rusher Vincent “VJ” Anthony Jr. from Duke brings production, finishing his college career with 15 sacks and 29 tackles-for-loss. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote, “Anthony has a long, slender frame, with the rush juice and quick hands to work through the edges of blockers.”
Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe from Miami adds experience, appearing in 54 games and recording 204 tackles. Brugler said Bissainthe “offers solid height/weight/speed and play recognition,” with special teams likely serving as an entry point.
Defensive tackle Cole Brevard also brings notable athletic ability. At 343 pounds, his 1.70-second 10-yard split at Texas’ pro day would have ranked among the best at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Chiefs Add Playmakers and Experienced Contributors
The Chiefs also added several offensive skill players and experienced contributors who could compete for roster spots.
Wide receiver Jacob De Jesus totaled 108 receptions last season and ranked among the top all-purpose yardage leaders in the FBS. His versatility includes both kick and punt return ability, which could factor into special teams competition.
Washington wide receiver Omari Evans brings speed, recording a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. That time would have ranked as the fastest at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Running back Jaydn Ott reunites with running backs coach DeMarco Murray. Ott rushed for 2,587 yards and 24 touchdowns over three seasons at California before transferring to Oklahoma. He also provides value as a return specialist.
Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, a Kansas City-area native, adds athleticism at the position. He recorded 80 receptions for 1,023 yards in college and earned recognition for his performance metrics, including a 10-foot-8 broad jump at the Combine.
Chiefs Defense Adds Depth With Undrafted, But Experienced Players
Kansas City’s defensive additions include multiple players with extensive college experience.
Safety Xavier Nwankpa appeared in 52 games at Iowa and recorded 171 tackles. His experience on special teams could help his chances of making the roster.
Defensive lineman Damon Payne played at both Alabama and Michigan, appearing in 44 total games during his college career. He recorded 348 defensive snaps in his final season.
Cornerback D’Arco Perkins-McAllister brings experience across multiple programs and allowed a 56% completion rate in his final college season.
Nebraska safety DeShon Singleton, who was projected by Brugler as a mid-round pick, joins Kansas City after totaling 163 tackles and multiple passes defensed during his college career.
The Chiefs also added Anthony Dunn, Ethan Hurkett, Amari McNeill, Pete Nygra, Bryce Phillips, EJ Smith, Josh Thompson, and Zelmar Vedder to round out the class.
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