In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to make their highest draft pick in over a decade. With the draft wrapping up, they are heading into negotiations with the undrafted free agents (UDFAs).

Even after adding seven rookies via the draft, there are still 17 spots available for undrafted signees. They have 20 players in the list, part of whom they are signing, and the rest received invitations.

As reported by SB Nation, quite a few names are doing the rounds. The Chiefs are reportedly signing Oklahoma Sooners running back Jaydyn Ott and Louisville Cardinals center Pete Nygra. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero also reported Nygra going off as a free agent to the Chiefs.

"Rice @RiceFootball defensive lineman Blake Boenisch invited to #Chiefs rookie minicamp, per a league source," reported KPRC 2 Houston analyst Aaron Wilson.

Kicker Grady Gross of the Washington Huskies will be attending the Chiefs' mini camp with the Kansas City Chiefs, along with Pittsburgh Panthers tackle Jeff Persi and South Carolina Gamecocks running back Rahsul Faison.

They are reportedly signing Texas A&M Aggies running back E.J. Smith, Miami Hurricanes linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, among others.

Kansas City has previously struck gold in undrafted free agency, with CB Kevin Knowles, CB Melvin Smith Jr., and LB Cooper McDonald among those who remain on the roster.

The Chiefs' AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos, are planning to sign 13 UDFAs.

But nothing has been confirmed for this season as of yet, until it comes to the franchises. However, for Patrick Mahomes' backup, that's not the case as his joining the Chiefs is officially signed on the dotted lines.

Kansas City Chiefs Used Their Final Pick for Patrick Mahomes’ Backup

Even though the LSU Tigers' quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, had to wait much longer than expected, he was finally selected by the Kansas City. The Chiefs used their final pick, No. 249, to take him in the seventh round.

Last season, Nussmeier struggled with an abdominal injury and also played through patellar tendon tendinitis in his left knee. Even then, he still managed to throw 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine games of action.

During the NFL scouting combine, a cyst was found on Nussmeier’s spine. Naturally, many teams felt hesitant to approach him, but Kansas still took him on board.

The Chiefs aren’t looking to replace Mahomes anytime soon. Also, they are not certain that Nussmeier could fill that role. So, it’s better to have depth than to keep looking for answers. For now, the plan is to develop Nussmeier into a dependable backup option.

This season, Mahomes is likely to be backed up by five-year veteran Justin Fields. However, with Fields having been signed through 2026, it gives Nussmeier enough time to grow into a reliable backup by 2027.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar