Brett Veach and his staff capped months (and years, really) of work with their seventh and final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft at No. 228 overall when they chose Brashard Smith, a running back out of SMU. It was the cherry on top of a draft class intent on laying a new defensive foundation while also netting a potential blue-chip left tackle in Josh Simmons.
But just in case you thought the work was done—or at least paused—for Veach and Co., the truth is that the frenzy really begins after Mr. Irrelevant is announced. That's when teams can begin officially signing undrafted free agents to contracts to round out the offseason 90-man rosters.
Some new faces will earn major signing bonuses, putting them in a better financial position than if they were actually drafted. Other prospects will earn tryout opportunities with the hopes of parlaying that into a stronger opportunity to make the team with a contract offer.
The Chiefs have had a lot of luck in recent years with undrafted free agents. Last season, fullback Carson Steele surprised everyone and made the active roster out of training camp. In free agency, the Chiefs just watched the Carolina Panthers steal Turk Wharton away for big money after enjoying the fruits of finding him at Missouri S&T.
Who will be the big addition this year? Per Over the Cap, the Chiefs are likely to only sign 7 undrafted rookies this season due to the size of the active roster already. That said, there are always cuts made after a draft, so if Veach likes what he sees on the open market with the influx of first-year players, we might see a few more than that. Also watch out for rookie mini-camp invites.
