The Kansas City Chiefs watched their season come to an end with a thud with a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, then got to work shaping their roster for 2026.
The Chiefs capped a six-game losing streak with Sunday’s 14-12 loss to the team with the NFL’s worst record, failing to generate much offense with both top quarterbacks shelved with injuries. The Chiefs made some changes the following day, parting ways with a versatile defensive back.
Chiefs Announce Roster Moves
Chiefs reporter Nick Jacobs noted that the team made a series of roster moves on Monday, signing several of their practice squad members to reserve/future contracts but choosing to cut ties with safety Tanner McCalister. The 25-year-old remained on the practice squad and made no appearances for the Chiefs this season.
McCalister has appeared in six games during his career, appearing primarily on special teams.
As Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports noted, the Chiefs cut ties with McCalister quickly so he can get started finding a new NFL team.
“On the flip side, there’s Tanner McCallister, who saw his practice squad contract terminated,” Goldman wrote. “That’s likely a sign that he doesn’t have a future in Kansas City, but also a sign of respect, letting him out of his contract and giving him a chance to catch on with another club as soon as possible.”
McCalister came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023, signing with the Cleveland Browns. NFL Draft Buzz noted that he was an undersized defensive back who struggled with tackling, but his physicality was a boost in run support.
“In the run game, he’s aggressive coming downhill and a sure tackler,” the site’s pre-draft report noted of the Ohio State safety. “He’s physical at the line of scrimmage, showing unexpected power in his hands… Strong hands to make plays on the ball, effective blitzer who shows well-coached technique and awareness.”
Chiefs Face Big Decisions in Secondary
While parting ways with McCalister won’t leave much of a hole in the secondary, the Chiefs could be facing more pressing personnel decisions in the secondary over the coming months. The team has several defensive backs headed to free agency, including safety Bryan Cook and cornerback Jaylen Watson.
Watson appears ready for a potential departure, sharing a heartfelt message with fans after Sunday’s season-ending loss.
“Dear CHIEFS KINGDOM, If this is the last ride I truly thank you for all the passion and support you’ve showed over the past 4 years,” Watson wrote in a post on Instagram. “The best 4 years of my life. From a 7th round draft pick out of Augusta, Ga I felt welcomed since the first day I walked in the building. Never in a million years I could’ve imagined being a 2x Sb champ. To playing in arrowhead in front of the best fans in the world. Through the good years and bad you guys were always there 100 degrees or -30.”
Watson also shared some love for his Chiefs teammates.
“To all my teammates that became brothers thank you for showing us young bulls the way to come in and be a real professional,” he wrote. “So many memories will forever be embedded and I will cherish those moments forever thank you CHIEFS KINGDOM”
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