Kansas City Chiefs Kick Off Offseason with Key Reserve/Future Signings and New Tryouts
The Kansas City Chiefs officially began their 2026 offseason on Monday by securing several members of their practice squad on reserve/future contracts, a routine yet important step in building roster depth ahead of the NFL Draft and free agency.
The team wasted no time continuing offseason moves, and on Tuesday, the Chiefs added a pair of players from outside the organization, signaling their commitment to bringing in talent for evaluation ahead of training camp.
According to the NFL’s official transactions report, Kansas City signed wide receiver Andrew Armstrong and running back ShunDerrick Powell to Reserve/Future contracts. These deals, like most of their kind, will become official when the league year begins on March 11, although they typically do not include guaranteed money or long-term roster security.
Both players had recently worked out for the Chiefs on December 29, showcasing their abilities to Kansas City coaches and staff during pre-draft evaluations.
Andrew Armstrong began his collegiate career at Texas A&M Commerce before transferring to Arkansas, where he played two seasons. In his final year with the Razorbacks, Armstrong caught 78 passes for 1,140 yards, demonstrating his receiving prowess and reliability in the passing game.
Standing 6-foot-4 and running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at Arkansas’ Pro Day, Armstrong offers a rare combination of size and speed for the Chiefs’ wide receiver room. He initially signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in April but was waived in final roster cuts and briefly joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad.
ShunDerrick Powell, a Central Arkansas product, had previously visited Kansas City prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, generating early interest in his skill set. Powell signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent but was unable to make their roster. Known for his vision and versatility, Powell could compete for a role as a depth back or special teams contributor in Kansas City.
In addition to these signings, the Chiefs also hosted a workout for edge rusher Warren Peeples on Tuesday. Peeples, who played at Division III Southeastern Louisiana, attended training camp last summer with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. His presence at the Chiefs’ facility highlights Kansas City’s interest in uncovering potential late-round or undrafted contributors to bolster their pass-rushing depth.
These moves reflect a strategic approach by the Chiefs, combining the retention of familiar practice squad players with an evaluation of external talent. While reserve/future contracts rarely guarantee a roster spot, they allow teams to claim the rights to players and integrate them into offseason programs, giving coaches a chance to evaluate performance in OTAs, minicamps, and training camp.
Kansas City’s offseason strategy appears focused on adding versatile, high-upside players while maintaining flexibility for future draft picks and free-agent signings. Armstrong, Powell, and Peeples represent examples of this philosophy: young, athletic, and eager to prove themselves at the professional level.
With the league year beginning in March, the Chiefs will continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, balancing veteran retention with the infusion of new talent. For players like Armstrong and Powell, these contracts offer a vital opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on Kansas City’s 53-man roster.
As the Chiefs’ offseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see which undrafted and practice squad players can turn opportunity into a long-term role in Andy Reid’s high-powered system.
Would you like me to create a detailed profile breakdown for Armstrong, Powell, and Peeples showing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential role in the Chiefs offense and defense next season?
