The Kansas City Chiefs hosted their rookie minicamp over this past weekend.
Phase 1 of the NFL offseason is underway. Kansas City had 105 participants during rookie minicamp, ranging from its 2026 NFL Draft picks, the 20 undrafted free agents signed afterwards, and several tryout invitees. A few of the latter stood out, earning contracts from the Chiefs.
Kansas City Chiefs Sign WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, OT Kahlil Benson Following Successful Rookie Minicamp Tryouts
On Monday the Chiefs officially announced the signings of Lloyd, Sewell, and Benson. They also revealed that they parted ways with quarterback Jake Haener, defensive end Ethan Hurkett, and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens.
We have waived QB Jake Haener, DE Ethan Hurkett, and DT Zacch Pickens.
Many Chiefs fans may be familiar with Loyd, as he spent two years with the Kansas State Wildcat and one with the Missouri Tigers. Loyd grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, which is a suburb of the Kansas City metro area. After not seeing the field much at Kansas State, he transferred to Illinois State in 2024, recording 66 receptions for 912 yards and six touchdowns.
Loyd appeared in all 13 games for Missouri in 2025, but played primarily on special teams, recording just two catches for 21 yards on the season. He will obviously be a longshot to make the Chiefs’ roster, but if he excels on special teams, he could earn a spot on the practice squad.
Sewell spent five years with the Vanderbilt Commodores, and appeared in every game throughout his final three seasons. During his senior season Sewell posted 52 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, and two passes defensed. Special teams performance will also be critical for Sewell, but Kansas City’s question marks at the safety position could give him an outside shot at making the roster.
Benson battled through multiple injuries during his collegiate career, including a torn ACL in his freshman year. He is a versatile offensive linemen who can play both tackle and guard. Benson played mostly at right tackle, appearing in every game for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers in 2025. The Chiefs need a new starting right tackle after the departure of Jawaan Taylor, potentially paving the way for Benson to earn a roster spot if he impresses.
Chiefs Release Jake Haener, Ethan Hurkett, Zacch Pickens
GettyQB Jake Haener
Kansas City signed Haener to a reserve/future contract in early February. He has one career start with the New Orleans Saints back in 2024. The Chiefs selecting Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round pretty much sealed Haener’s fate with the team.
Hurkett signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent just last week, but will now be looking for a new team. He had a productive five-year career with Iowa, recording 163 total tackles and 15.5 sacks. Hurkett’s release is mildly surprising considering the Chiefs could still use some depth at defensive end.
Pickens spent most of the 2025 season on the Chiefs’ practice squad, and appeared in three regular season games. He is a former third-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, but hasn’t been able to get regular playing time. The selection of first-round pick Peter Woods, as well as Omarr Norman-Lott returning from injury, made Pickens expendable.
Chiefs Sign 3 Players Who Stood out During Rookie Minicamp