2026 NFL Draft: Damon Payne Jr. signed by Kansas City Chiefs as UDFA

TL;DR

Damon Payne Jr., a defensive tackle from Michigan, has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound player previously played for Alabama before transferring to Michigan.

Key points

Damon Payne Jr. signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent
He is a 6-foot-3, 308-pound defensive tackle from Michigan
Payne previously played for Alabama before transferring to Michigan
He recorded 16 tackles and two tackles for loss in 2025
Payne is expected to play a role on running downs

Damon Payne Jr.Kansas City ChiefsMichigan WolverinesAlabama Crimson Tide

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Damon Payne #44 of the Michigan Wolverines runs during the game against USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images Michigan defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr. has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. As outlined in our NFL Draft profile, Payne is a 6-foot-3, 308-pound defensive tackle out of Belleville, Michigan. A five-star recruit, he was heavily targeted by all the major players in college football before committing to Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. After spending four years in Tuscaloosa, Payne transferred to Michigan where he racked up 16 tackles, two tackles for loss and one pass deflection as a graduate student in 2025. He was named Michigan’s Defensive Player of the Week twice and was a steady presence along the interior of the defensive line. He excels as a run-stuffer and a double-team absorber, plays with a relatively low pad-level and has an explosive lower-body. However, Payne struggles mightily in the pass game, as he has virtually no pass-rush moves and struggles to disengage from blockers. Payne will be looking to crack the roster in a situation-specific role on obvious running downs.

Q&A

What are Damon Payne Jr.'s college football stats?

In 2025, Damon Payne Jr. recorded 16 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one pass deflection while playing for Michigan.

Why did Damon Payne Jr. transfer from Alabama to Michigan?

Damon Payne Jr. transferred to Michigan after spending four years at Alabama, where he was a five-star recruit and sought more playing time.

What role is Damon Payne Jr. expected to play with the Kansas City Chiefs?

Damon Payne Jr. is expected to contribute in a situation-specific role, primarily on obvious running downs as a run-stuffer.

2026 NFL Draft: Damon Payne Jr. signed by Kansas City Chiefs as UDFA

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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