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The Kansas City Chiefs are retooling their roster in the wake of a disappointing Super Bowl loss-and that includes tough decisions on players to make space for new arrivals. On Saturday, the reigning AFC champions announced the release of two players: defensive end BJ Thompson and linebacker Blake Lynch, clearing the way to bring in a full slate of undrafted free agents.
The cuts are part of a necessary post-draft process as Kansas City prepares for its offseason program. With 16 undrafted rookies agreeing to terms following the 2025 NFL Draft, the front office needed to adjust the roster to accommodate the influx of new talent.
BJ Thompson, a fifth-round selection in the 2023 draft out of Stephen F. Austin, appeared in just one game during his rookie season, recording two tackles in 28 defensive snaps.
His promising career trajectory was unfortunately derailed last summer when he suffered a seizure during training camp, which led to cardiac arrest. He spent the remainder of the season on the non-football illness list as he recovered.
Linebacker Blake Lynch also saw limited action in Kansas City, playing just one game last season and logging 25 snaps. Over the course of his NFL career, Lynch has suited up in 29 games-including seven starts-through previous stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers.
Chiefs welcome 16 undrafted rookies as offseason rebuild continues
With Thompson and Lynch no longer on the roster, Kansas City officially announced its full class of undrafted free agent signings-many of whom will now join Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the defending AFC champions as they aim to bounce back from a lopsided Super Bowl defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here are the 16 undrafted free agents joining the Chiefs:
- Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida
- Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State
- Glendon Miller, S, Maryland
- Esa Pole, OT, Washington State
- Brandon George, LB, Pittsburgh
- Coziah Izzard, DT, Penn State
- Melvin Smith Jr., CB, Southern Arkansas
- Mac Dalena, WR, Fresno State
- Eddie Czaplicki, P, USC
- Tre Watson, TE, Texas A&M
- Jacobe Covington, CB, USC
- Elijah Young, RB, Western Kentucky
- Will Brooks, S, Tennessee
- Kevin Knowles II, DB, Florida State
- Justin Lockhart, WR, San Jose State