Kansas City Chiefs do one player a solid with the season now over — and Brett Veach begins building for the future

A gesture of gratitude to Shane Buechele from the Chiefs, plus four practice squad players signed to reserve/future contracts.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Jan 6, 2026 8:30 AM EST

Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach has begun making the earliest possible roster moves for the 2026 NFL offseason. That includes doing one player a major solid after that player came to the team’s aid in a time of need. Let’s get into it.

Chiefs waive QB Shane Buechele from 53-man roster

When Gardner Minshew suffered his knee injury, the Chiefs were left with only Chris Oladokun on the roster. When Brett Veach came calling, Shane Buechele could’ve stayed put on the practice squad with the Buffalo Bills, who are in the AFC playoff race right now. Instead, Buechele struck a deal to rejoin his former team and provide depth during a time of need.

With the Chiefs’ season now over, Veach is returning the favor to Buechele and granting him his release. He can be claimed on waivers by any playoff team, and if he clears waivers, he can re-sign with the Bills’ practice squad and continue running their scout team offense, with a chance at a deep playoff run. That’s good business and something that doesn’t go unnoticed by players and player representation.

Chiefs sign four players to reserve/future contracts, terminate contract of one practice squad player

Chiefs practice squad players will officially see their practice squad contracts expire on Sunday, January 11. Instead of waiting for that to happen for several players, the Chiefs have gotten out ahead of the issue and signed four of those players to reserve/future deals. Those players include LB Kam Arnold, DT Marcus Harris, and WR Jimmy Holiday.

Arnold and Harris are newcomers signed to the practice squad just last week. Waletzko was added after the team placed Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor, and Wanya Morris on injured reserve and has been the Chiefs’ swing tackle for the past few weeks, working behind Esa Pole and Chu Godrick while Jaylon Moore was injured.

Holiday is the only player of the bunch who actually spent the 2025 NFL offseason with the team. He was a rookie minicamp tryout who made the 90-man roster, but has been on and off the practice squad following an impressive preseason, including a 50-yard reception and standout play on special teams.

On the flip side, there’s Tanner McCallister, who saw his practice squad contract terminated. That’s likely a sign that he doesn’t have a future in Kansas City, but also a sign of respect, letting him out of his contract and giving him a chance to catch on with another club as soon as possible.

As for the rest of the practice squad players and other outside free agents that could be added on reserve/future deals, the Chiefs still have plenty of time to consummate other contracts. Practice squad players may want to take their time and weigh their options before signing on for another season in Kansas City. Outsiders may still like their chances of landing with a playoff team.