There was Kansas City Chiefs news on January 12, as seven practice squad contracts were set to expire, according to an NFL notice sent out by the league. These players are now free agents, and A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman relayed the names on X, including fan favorite running back Carson Steele.
Per Goldman and the NFL, the others were guard Nick Broeker, wide receiver Jason Brownlee, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, defensive end Malik Herring, defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, and tight end Tre Watson.
However, later in the afternoon, it was revealed that Watson ended up reuniting with the Chiefs on a reserve/future deal shortly after his contract expired. The other six have not agreed to re-sign as of January 12, and their time in Kansas City could be finished.
Carson Steele Burst Onto the Scene With the Chiefs as a Rookie Before Fading Into the Periphery Last Season
It’s been a roller coaster ride for Steele since joining the organization as an undrafted rookie in 2024.
During his first training camp and preseason, Steele captured the hearts of fans, showing off quality hands as a pass-catcher and sheer passion and heart as a runner. He ran for 7.91 yards per carry that August, with 87 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns over 3 preseason appearances.
Later that season, after making the 53-man roster as a UDFA, Steele actually earned a starting opportunity following a major injury to starter Isiah Pacheco. Unfortunately, Steele failed to impress in that role, and he was quickly replaced by veteran Kareem Hunt.
Since then, Steele has faded into the periphery of this KC organization, spending the 2025 season on the practice squad. It remains to be seen if the popular RB will seek out a fresh start in NFL free agency.
Ex-Chiefs First-Rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire Hits NFL Free Agency Once Again in 2026
The other big name on this list is another running back, but one with a totally different journey from Steele’s.
Edwards-Helaire entered the NFL with massive expectations, as a first-round pick who was expected to be Patrick Mahomes’ running back of the future. After getting off to a decent start as a rookie, “CEH’s” career spiraled downward from that point on.
The big-name prospect has dealt with major injuries, competition from players like Pacheco, and mental health issues off the field. The Chiefs and Edwards-Helaire parted ways once before, as CEH joined the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
Last year, he ended up back with Kansas City after more RB injuries, but it appears that reunion was short-lived.
Malik Herring Parts Ways With Chiefs in Latest News
Along with Steele and CEH, Herring stands out as a player who has been with the Chiefs’ organization for his entire career. The former UDFA has seesawed on and off the KC practice squad since 2022, earning two Super Bowl rings for his efforts.
Still, despite all his time with the Chiefs, Herring has only recorded 1.5 regular season sacks.
Tuipulotu and Brownlee are both journeymen who have shown flashes, too. The former appeared in 5 games in 2024 and 2025 combined after beginning his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The latter started out with the New York Jets before earning 6 appearances with Kansas City this year.
Finally, Broeker is probably the least-recognized player on this list, having only joined the Chiefs in December of 2025.
Chiefs Lose Rights to 6 Expiring Contracts Including Fan Favorite RB