In a move that’s sure to spark conversations among fans, the Kansas City Chiefs have shaken up their practice squad, bidding farewell to safety Mike Edwards and guard C.J. Hanson. But here’s where it gets interesting: their replacements are two players who’ve already tasted NFL action but are now looking to carve out a more permanent spot in the league. Let’s dive into the details.
As of December 16, 2025, at 11:35 PM UTC, the Chiefs officially signed safety Tanner McCalister and guard Nick Broeker to their practice squad, according to the NFL transactions report. This change comes after Edwards and Hanson were elevated to the team’s 53-man roster, leaving vacancies that needed filling. With these additions, the Chiefs’ practice squad is now at its full capacity of 17 players—a number that includes an extra spot thanks to offensive lineman Chu Godrick, who is part of the International Pathways Program.
And this is the part most people miss: McCalister and Broeker were part of a larger group of 10 players who worked out with the Chiefs on Monday, which included six defensive backs, two linebackers, a running back, and Broeker himself. Both newcomers are 25 years old and entered the league in 2023, bringing a mix of experience and potential to the table.
McCalister, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 195 pounds, began his journey as an undrafted free agent from Ohio State, signing with the Cleveland Browns. Broeker, on the other hand, is a towering presence at 6 feet 4 inches and 305 pounds. He was a seventh-round pick (230th overall) for the Buffalo Bills, hailing from Mississippi.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While both players have bounced around practice squads and offseason rosters, their NFL game appearances have been limited. McCalister, who’ll wear jersey No. 44 in Kansas City, played in three games for the Browns in 2023 and another three with the Denver Broncos in 2024. He spent the 2025 offseason with the New York Jets before joining the Chiefs. Broeker, donning No. 67, didn’t make the Bills’ roster as a rookie but appeared in 12 games with the Houston Texans across 2023 and 2024. He returned to the Bills’ practice squad this season but was released just a week ago.
This reshuffling raises questions about the Chiefs’ strategy: Are they grooming these players for future roles, or are they simply filling immediate needs? What do you think? Does this move signal a shift in the team’s approach to developing talent, or is it just business as usual? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
