Chiefs Sign Ex-Bills Draft Pick & Former Broncos DB Amid Mahomes Watch

Updated Dec. 16, 2025 at 7:25 p.m.

The Kansas City Chiefs made a pair of roster moves on December 16 as Week 16 got underway, adding depth on both sides of the ball while continuing to navigate the fallout from Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending injury.

According to Chiefs Digest beat reporter Matt Derrick, the Chiefs signed guard Nick Broeker and safety Tanner McCalister to their practice squad. The two additions fill the practice squad spots vacated by CJ Hanson and Mike Edwards, both of whom were recently promoted to the active 53-man roster.

These moves come amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ roster designation. While the quarterback has already undergone season-ending knee surgery, Derrick noted that Kansas City has not yet officially placed Mahomes on injured reserve. That move is still expected, with quarterback Chris Oladokun presumed to be the likely replacement on the 53-man roster.

Earlier this week, head coach Andy Reid suggested that Oladokun could get an opportunity to serve as the primary backup to Gardner Minshew for the remainder of the 2025 season. However, the Chiefs could also choose to elevate Oladokun from the practice squad and use the open roster spot to address another position.

Chiefs Add Offensive Line Depth With Nick Broeker

One of Kansas City’s most pressing issues throughout the 2025 season has been inconsistency and injuries along the offensive line. When the starting five has been intact, the unit has generally performed well, but extended stretches without full health have exposed depth concerns.

Broeker enters the picture as a potential backup guard. The former seventh-round pick of the Buffalo Bills never appeared in a game for Buffalo but has logged NFL experience elsewhere. He has played in 12 regular-season games with the Houston Texans, totaling nine offensive snaps and 53 special teams snaps.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Broeker turned 25 in October. At Ole Miss, he was a multi-year starter, blocking for quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Quinshon Judkins before Judkins transferred to Ohio State.

Tanner McCalister Brings Special Teams Experience

The other addition, Tanner McCalister, is an undrafted safety who has been moving between teams since entering the league in 2023. McCalister split his college career between Oklahoma State and Ohio State, compiling 149 total tackles, four interceptions, and 13 pass breakups over 62 games.

At the NFL level, McCalister has appeared in games for the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos, with most of his playing time coming on special teams. In six career regular-season appearances, he has logged 91 special teams snaps and 19 defensive snaps, recording nine total tackles.

NFL Draft Buzz previously described McCalister as an aggressive and physical tackler who excels in run support and closes quickly on short throws. However, scouts also noted concerns about penalties and playing too out of control at times, particularly his tendency to go for big hits instead of securing tackles.

If Kansas City can refine that part of his game, the soon-to-be 26-year-old could carve out a consistent role on special teams as the Chiefs push through the final stretch of the season.