2. Ben Niemann, Linebacker
Re-signing Nick Bolton to a three-year, $45 million deal will be a major boost for the Chiefs' defense. At 24, he’s an ascending player in the middle of their unit and has racked up at least 100 tackles in three of his four NFL seasons.
Bolton, a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, will hold down the middle, flanked by Leo Chenal and Drue Tranquill. However, Kansas City could still use another depth piece at linebacker.
Ben Niemann could be a perfect fit.
He was an undrafted free agent gem that Kansas City unearthed in 2018. Niemann spent the first four years of his career with the Chiefs before making stops with the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and most recently, the Detroit Lions.
This time around, Niemann wouldn’t be expected to log as many defensive snaps as he did in his first stint with Kansas City. Instead, he’d serve as a depth piece, primarily contributing on special teams—a role much better suited to his skill set on a championship-caliber roster.
Bringing Niemann back wouldn’t make headlines, but every orchestra needs background musicians to keep the symphony in harmony.
3. Willie Gay, Linebacker
Another linebacker the Chiefs could consider for a reunion is Willie Gay. Gay signed a one-year deal with the Saints last offseason but is now an unrestricted free agent once again.
His lone season in New Orleans was forgettable, and a return to Kansas City—where he previously thrived—would make plenty of sense. It also appears to be a reunion he’d welcome.
4. Byron Pringle, Wide Receiver
Byron Pringle isn't a player who would give them a proven asset on the field. However, he is a known commodity for the coaching staff.
His best NFL season came in 2021 with the Chiefs when he caught 42 passes for 568 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, that season alone equals about half the output he's had throughout his entire five year career.
After leaving Kansas City in 2021, he spent one year in Chicago and the next in Washington before the Commanders released him last September. He's not a signing fans would get excited about, but could end up making the roster as WR5.