Chiefs GM Brett Veach appears to be getting a head start on 2026 NFL offseason with recent wave of free agent tryouts
The Kansas City Chiefs are checking out some free agent players, likely with the future in mind.
The Kansas City Chiefs appear to be getting a head start on the 2026 NFL offseason, doing their diligence on some intriguing free agents at two key positions with a wave of tryouts.
Don’t get it twisted, as this isn’t a sign that the team is throwing in the towel on the 2025 NFL season. They’re just trying to identify those who might make sense as late-season practice squad additions or as reserve/future signings. Last year, the Chiefs benefited from this type of process with WR Tyquan Thornton joining the practice squad. We’re about a month out from the time that Kansas City made its first moves of the 2025 NFL offseason on Jan. 9, adding S Jason Taylor II and LB Shaun Bradley on reserve/future deals.
The Chiefs could have some genuine interest in adding an offensive tackle, with LT Josh Simmons expected to be placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. The wide receiver interest screams future, as K.C. often seeks to load up on lottery tickets there.
Kansas City Chiefs hosted eight free agents for tryouts on Monday
Wide receivers
WR Erik Ezukanma: A 25-year-old wide receiver from Patrick Mahomes’ alma mater, Ezukanma was a fourth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2 and 210-pound receiver has recorded just one catch for three yards and five carries for 22 yards in five games played during his NFL career.
WR Jha’Quan Jackson: A sixth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2024 NFL draft, this 25-year-old wide receiver is a bit of an aberration because of his stat line. He has more career fumbles (5) than he has combined receptions and rushes (4). The 5-foot-9 return specialist fumbled five times on kickoff returns in a six-game span for the Titans in 2024, which earned him a one-way ticket off the football team.
WR Joaquin Davis: An undrafted free agent out of North Carolina Central who spent some time with the Chiefs’ division rival, the Denver Broncos. He’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 187 pounds, and ran a 4.36s 40-yard dash. He’s a raw prospect, but his athleticism is notable and could be a valuable asset on offense and special teams.
Chiefs’ free agent wide receivers in 2026
- WR Marquise Brown
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
- WR Tyquan Thornton
- WR Nikko Remigio (ERFA)
Offensive tackles
T Zach Banner: A fourth-round draft pick out of USC in Patrick Mahomes’ draft class, Banner hasn’t played in the NFL since 2021. The 6-foot-8 and 335-pound mountain of a man appeared in 30 games with the Steelers, starting two games. Injuries stunted the final two seasons of the 31-year-old’s career in Pittsburgh, including a season-ending ACL injury in 2020.
T Nicholas Petit-Frere: A former third-round draft pick out of Ohio State by the Tennessee Titans, Petit-Frere has started 28 career NFL games, appearing in 34 mostly at the right tackle position. The 6-foot-5 and 316-pound offensive lineman surrendered 87 pressures and 18 sacks during that span. He’s still only 26 and could certainly improve with proper coaching and the right situation.
T D’Ante Smith: A former fourth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith played in just three NFL games, starting one over his four-year NFL career. He backed up Orlando Brown Jr. at the left tackle position, but was released by Cincy after suffering a torn patella tendon (the same injury that Chiefs rookie LT Josh Simmons suffered in college).
T Zachary Thomas: A sixth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft out of San Diego State, Thomas is listed at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. He’s spent time with Rams, Patriots, and Texans, but hasn’t caught on anywhere quite yet.
T Matt Waletzko: Listed at 6-foot-8 and 305 pounds, Waletzko is a former fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He’s appeared in 11 NFL games, but his most success came in the 2024 NFL preseason when he moved to offensive guard.
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