Kansas City, Su – May 4, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered their roster, signing undrafted free agents after a stellar 2025 NFL Draft, with Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool emerging as a potential gem, sources told ESPN. Chiefs Kingdom buzzes as the team hunts for depth in a pivotal offseason.
Briningstool, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound pass-catcher, holds Clemson’s tight end record with 127 receptions, 1,380 yards, and 17 touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. Undrafted due to speed concerns (4.85-second 40-yard dash), he now vies for a spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster, aiming to be the heir apparent to Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs, fresh off a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss, face uncertainty at tight end. Kelce, 35, posted under 700 yards in 2024, and his contract expires in 2025. Noah Gray and 2024 draftee Jared Wiley hold TE2 and TE3 roles, but Briningstool’s size and hands could earn him a roster spot.
Briningstool isn’t alone. Wide receiver Elijhah Badger from Florida (806 yards, 4 touchdowns in 2024) ranks among CBS Sports’ top-5 UDFAs with a shot at the roster. Linebacker Brandon George from Pittsburgh (80 tackles, 2 sacks) boasts a 42.5-inch vertical and 4.66-second 40-yard dash, adding depth behind Nick Bolton.
Briningstool’s path mirrors past UDFA success stories like Tony Moeaki, a Chiefs third-round gem in 2010 who became a reliable target. Andy Reid’s system, which thrives on tight end versatility, could unlock Briningstool’s red-zone potential, especially with Patrick Mahomes needing new weapons.
The stakes are high. Badger could fill gaps if Rashee Rice’s looming suspension and 2025 knee injury linger, while George bolsters a linebacker corps tested in 2024 (18th-ranked run defense). X erupted with fan hype, one dubbing Briningstool “the next Kelce” for his Clemson tape.
Challenges loom. Briningstool must outshine Wiley in camp, proving his blocking (62.3 PFF grade) can improve. Badger faces competition from Xavier Worthy, and George must adapt to Steve Spagnuolo’s complex schemes. The Chiefs’ 14th-ranked passing attack needs depth to reclaim AFC dominance.
Chiefs Kingdom, the future is bright. Jake Briningstool’s bid for the 53-man roster could spark a new era, while Badger and George vie for spots. As mini-camps unfold, will these UDFAs shine for Mahomes and company in 2025?
