:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69220747/1229636598.0.jpg)
The Kansas City Chiefs go from the end of the 2021 NFL Draft to immediately looking for undrafted free agents (UDFAs). These are the players who did not get drafted in the regular seven-round draft — but can now be signed to NFL free-agent contracts.
There is a case to be made that it is better to go undrafted — because then, you can pick your situation. Recent standout undrafted Chiefs free agents include defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton last year, safety Dan Sorensen in 2014 and Charvarius Ward — who was initially signed by the Dallas Cowboys.
Teams can sign players up to the 90-man roster limit, so how many UDFAs they will sign varies by team. The Chiefs now have 81 players on the roster. But even after being signed, UDFAs often have a way to go to make the 53-man roster, which is decided shortly before the start of the season in September. It’s not unusual for a team to keep a UDFA or two.
Note that many of these signings are not official until the Chiefs actually announce who they have signed. They tend to do this in a wave early next week. Some of these players will actually be given a chance to try out for the team, but may not actually be given a contract.
Chiefs undrafted free agent signings and rumors
The #Chiefs are signing former Notre Dame WR Chris Finke, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 5, 2021
“The Slippery Fox” impressed on the pro day circuit, catching balls for the likes of Trevor Lawrence and Ian Book, and now gets his shot with Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs have agreed to an UDFA deal with BYU linebacker Zayne Anderson.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) May 1, 2021
Former SMU QB Shane Buechele is signing with the #Chiefs, per source. An undersized playmaker in the Case Keenum mold.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2021
The #Chiefs gave Shane Buechele a $15,000 signing bonus plus a $160,000 base salary guarantee, per source. He was in demand, and Kansas City won out. https://t.co/BC8ikqeNLm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2021
Former Western Kentucky safety Devon Key is signing with the #Chiefs, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2021
Kansas City Chiefs signing safety Devin Key to free agent deal that includes $65,000 guaranteed: $50,00 of his base salary guaranteed, $15,000 signing bonus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 2, 2021
.@Rileyc44 —> @Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom #NFLDraft #LegendsLiveHere pic.twitter.com/mc3Ng7SHxN
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) May 1, 2021
The undrafted #Huskers have all signed free agent deals:
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) May 2, 2021
DB Dicaprio Bootle - Chiefs
TE Jack Stoll - Eagles
RB Dedrick Mills - Lions
Marlon (@riptrizzle) joins the @Chiefs ! Congratulations! #beexclusive #redkingdom pic.twitter.com/sQH5EPzgyX
— Exclusive Sports Grp (@Exclusive_SG) May 2, 2021
Chiefs signed corner Marlon Character to deal that includes $10,000 guaranteed
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 2, 2021
.@HerringMalik is signing with Kansas City!#ChiefsKingdom #DawgsInTheNFL pic.twitter.com/2EoUBDXuVi
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) May 2, 2021
Georgia edge Malik Herring heading to the Chiefs. Torn his ACL during Senior Bowl practices. Would fit with past flyers Chiefs have taken on injured players such as Darius Harris and Tim Ward. https://t.co/0qY3AE9rgt
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) May 2, 2021
Kansas City Chiefs signing defensive end Malik Herring to deal that includes $125,000 guaranteed, $100,00 of base salary guaranteed, $25,000 signing bonus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 2, 2021