There was Kansas City Chiefs signing news on January 26, as KC reunited with practice squad wide receiver Jason Brownlee ahead of NFL free agency.
This news was revealed via the daily NFL transaction notice, but it was also relayed on X by insider Aaron Wilson, who informed: “Chiefs sign Jason Brownlee to reserve/future deal.”
Brownlee’s contract recently expired, along with several other practice squad players, but it appears Kansas City was able to work things out later on. The 6-foot-3 pass-catcher was a training camp and preseason darling who caught the attention of fans, but he seesawed on and off the active roster during the regular season.
Brownlee actually began the 2025 campaign on the 53, being that star wide receiver Rashee Rice was suspended. When Rice returned, he was cut and re-signed to the practice squad.
Although Brownlee failed to record a reception during his time with the active roster, he did catch a touchdown from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in August. Unfortunately, his hot start fizzled out as he only managed 2 receptions and 17 yards off 7 preseason targets.
Jason Brownlee Has Replaced Justyn Ross as the Chiefs’ Red Zone Threat Project
Brownlee has seemingly claimed a role within this KC organization, but it’s not a major one. The reserve wideout has taken over the spot that was once held by Justyn Ross, as a sort of developmental red zone threat.
Chiefs fans will likely remember Ross well. The former Clemson star became quite popular in Kansas City, as he initially worked his way back from a major injury.
However, in the end, Ross never quite lived up to the hype, and he eventually requested his release to attempt a fresh start elsewhere. Since then, Brownlee has taken his place, filling into that reserve role that is either the last WR on the 53, or one of the first ones off the practice squad.
Brownlee was targeted once in 2025, but did not log a regular season catch. He registered 5 receptions for 56 yards and 1 touchdown as a rookie in 2023, suiting up for the New York Jets.
Chiefs Signing News Comes Prior to Important NFL Free Agency Period
With one NFL game remaining for the 2025-26 season, free agency is right around the corner, and the Chiefs have a lot of work to do.
According to Over the Cap, five KC unrestricted free agents played 50% of snaps or higher this year, with another three UFAs logging between 40% and 50% of the snap share.
Those free agents, in order of snap percentage, are cornerback Jaylen Watson (83.4%), safety Bryan Cook (82.4%), tight end Travis Kelce (81.0%), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (55.7%), defensive end Charles Omenihu (54.3%), wide receiver Hollywood Brown (49.5%), running back Kareem Hunt (47.5%), and linebacker Leo Chenal (42.3%).
And that long list doesn’t even include starting running back Isiah Pacheco, who only logged a snap share of 38.1% due to an injury, not to mention several other recent draft picks and veteran role players.
On top of deciding on free agents, the Chiefs must also shed enough cap space to get themselves in the positive before the start of the new league year in March.
It’s going to be a long and important offseason for Kansas City and general manager Brett Veach. If the Chiefs’ decision-makers get it right, they could be right back in the mix for a Super Bowl appearance a year from now.
Chiefs Reunite With 6-Foot-3 WR Ahead of NFL Free Agency