The Kansas City Chiefs have been active in shaping their roster for the upcoming season, making strategic moves to bolster their team. On Saturday, they signed 17 undrafted free agents, adding depth and potential to various positions. To accommodate these new additions, the team released linebacker Blake Lynch and waived defensive end B.J. Thompson, who is expected to rejoin the roster this weekend.
B.J. Thompson's Health Journey
Thompson's path to recovery has been challenging. On June 6, 2024, he experienced a seizure during a team meeting, leading to cardiac arrest. Following this incident, Thompson spent the season on the non-football illness list, focusing on rehabilitation. By placing him on waivers with a failed physical designation, the Chiefs have provided him with the opportunity to return to the team if he clears waivers by 3 p.m. Sunday. If unclaimed, Thompson will rejoin the Chiefs on injured reserve, where he will continue his recovery under the supervision of the team's medical staff.
The Chiefs are dedicated to supporting Thompson's full recovery, regardless of his future in football. Thompson was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 166th overall pick. Before joining the Chiefs, he played two seasons at Baylor and four at Stephen F. Austin, earning first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors twice. During the 2023 season, Thompson appeared in the Week 18 finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, recording two tackles over 28 defensive snaps and 16 special teams snaps.
Blake Lynch's Departure and Potential Return
Lynch, 28, is in his second stint with the Chiefs. After initially signing with the practice squad on December 30, he was elevated to the active roster for the Week 18 season finale against the Denver Broncos, where he recorded six combined tackles, including one for a loss, over 25 defensive snaps and 22 special teams snaps. The Chiefs released him from the practice squad on January 7. Given his three years of NFL experience, Lynch is now a free agent and can sign with any team immediately. There's a possibility he could return to the Chiefs after the rookie minicamp, depending on the team's roster decisions.
Introducing the 2024 Undrafted Free Agents
The Chiefs have added 17 undrafted free agents to their roster, aiming to enhance various positions:
Running Back Emani Bailey (TCU): Bailey led TCU with 1,209 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also contributed 25 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive Lineman Griffin McDowell (Chattanooga): McDowell played 873 snaps at left tackle for Chattanooga, ranking as the ninth-best tackle in the FCS for pass-blocking efficiency.
Offensive Lineman McKade Mettauer (Oklahoma): Mettauer started 12 games at right guard in 2023, allowing no sacks over 464 pass-blocking snaps.
Defensive Back Derrick "D.J." Miller (Kent State): Miller recorded 50 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception over 12 games in 2024.
Punter Ryan Rehkow (BYU): Rehkow averaged 47.4 yards per punt over 50 games at BYU, with 74 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Linebacker Curtis Jacobs (Penn State): Jacobs started 12 games in 2024, recording 80 tackles, six for loss, two sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Tight End Baylor Cupp (Texas Tech): Cupp joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent but was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.
Linebacker Cam Jones (Indiana): Jones signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, bringing leadership and experience to the linebacker corps.
Defensive Tackle Fabien Lovett (Florida State): Lovett adds depth to the defensive line, contributing to the team's defensive strategies.
Offensive Lineman Ethan Driskell (Marshall): Driskell's addition aims to bolster the offensive line, providing versatility and depth.
Offensive Lineman Nick Torres (Villanova): Torres brings experience and skill to the offensive line, enhancing the team's blocking capabilities.
Linebacker Luquay Washington (Central Connecticut State): Washington's signing adds depth to the linebacker position, contributing to the team's defensive strength.
Cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace (USC): Roland-Wallace joins the Chiefs' secondary, aiming to strengthen the team's pass defense.
Wide Receiver Reggie Brown (James Madison): Brown adds depth to the receiving corps, bringing playmaking ability to the offense.
Wide Receiver Phillip Brooks (Kansas State): Brooks' addition aims to enhance the Chiefs' receiving options, contributing to the team's offensive strategies.
Cornerback Miles Battle (Utah): Battle brings experience to the cornerback position, aiming to bolster the Chiefs' pass defense.
- Running Back Carson Steele (UCLA): Steele, an undrafted free agent, has shown promise in training camp, potentially competing for a significant role in the running back rotation.
These strategic moves reflect the Chiefs' commitment to building a competitive and dynamic team for the upcoming season.