Chiefs make several roster moves to create space for undrafted free agents ahead of rookie camp

The Kansas City Chiefs are reshaping their 90-man offseason roster following the 2024 NFL draft. 

According to the NFL's personnel notice for Friday, the Chiefs have released a trio of players and revoked a tender offer for an exclusive rights free agent. The trio of players released by Kansas City were reserve/future signings at the end of the season. That group includes WR Shi Smith, WR Anthony Miller, and DE Jordan Smith. 

The most notable of these players is Miller. A former second-round pick by the Bears in the 2018 NFL draft, Miller has a history with OC Matt Nagy in Chicago. He had been down in Texas training with Patrick Mahomes this offseason, but apparently, he didn't do enough to warrant a 90-man roster spot moving forward. 

The Chiefs also revoked LB Cole Christiansen's contract tender. The 26-year-old linebacker spent the past two seasons with the Chiefs, mostly on the practice squad, after starting his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished last season on the 53-man roster in Kansas City. 

All these moves create space on the 90-man offseason roster for undrafted free agent signings following the NFL draft. Upwards of 18 signings had been reported to this point, which means they'd need to clear some space on the roster to make room for those incoming undrafted free agents. The team will also host several tryout players during rookie camp this weekend, which means more changes to the roster could be on the way.

Considering some signings reported in undrafted free agency, like Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs and Southern Miss LB Swayze Boseman, the decision on a player like Christiansen makes sense. It's also plausible that this move has more to do with salary cap savings than anything strictly related to personnel. They might even try to bring Christiansen back at another time on a cheaper deal. 

The Chiefs have not formally announced any undrafted free agent signings and they're not yet listed on the NFL's personnel notice. Expect that to come sometime before the start of rookie minicamp on Saturday.