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What happened: The Kansas City Chiefs announced the signing of free agents WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, and OT Kahlil Benson. To make room, the team waived QB Jake Haener, DE Ethan Hurkett, and DT Zacch Pickens. The moves were communicated by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Why it matters: Roster churn at the back end of the depth chart is routine in the NFL offseason, but it signals how Kansas City is shaping its 2026 camp competition. Cutting Haener thins the quarterback room behind Patrick Mahomes, while the Hurkett and Pickens releases open developmental snaps along the defensive line. The added bodies give the Chiefs fresh tryout candidates without committing meaningful cap.

What to watch: Watch for the Chiefs' updated 90-man roster and any further depth moves before rookie minicamp. Haener, Hurkett, and Pickens will be subject to waivers and could land elsewhere in the AFC.

Sources