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Chiefs have a productive history of adding undrafted free agents
TL;DR
The Kansas City Chiefs have successfully added undrafted free agents under GM Brett Veach, contributing to Super Bowl victories. Notable players like Byron Pringle have emerged from this strategy, proving the draft extends beyond the seventh round.
Key points
- Chiefs excel in undrafted free agent signings
- Brett Veach's era has seen significant contributions
- Byron Pringle emerged as a reliable receiver
- Draft strategy extends beyond the seventh round
- Undrafted players have aided Super Bowl title runs
Kansas City ChiefsByron PringlePatrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs have done well in the undrafted free agent market during the Brett Veach era as general manager. Many players over the past few seasons have made significant contributions to Super Bowl title runs, adding to the belief that the draft doesn't end after round 7.
Byron Pringle was a former undrafted free agent signing out of Kansas State in 2018. He suffered an injury in the 2018 preseason and was stashed on injured reserve all year. He surprised many in 2019, making the initial 53-man roster for the Chiefs, primarily as a special teamer, but he eventually emerged as a reliable receiver.
Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Pringle in 2021 about his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes as an undrafted free agent wide receiver.
"It's a blessing to work with a guy like that because, you know, he can scan plays downfield. You know, you got to keep running and keep your eyes on the quarterback and be prepared to catch any ball," said Pringle, "No matter how it gets delivered to you, just know, just be prepared for how a ball will come your way at any moment. So just be prepared for that."
Pringle remained a key depth option for the team, playing both as a receiver and kick returner. He'd appear in 46 career regular-season games with the Chiefs, starting in eight games. Pringle won two Lamar Hunt Trophies and Super Bowl LIV with Kansas City. He also earned sponsorship with the "Pringles" potato chip brand, further demonstrating his value despite never being an NFL Draft selection.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs have a productive history of adding undrafted free agents
Q&A
How have undrafted free agents contributed to the Chiefs' success?
Undrafted free agents have played significant roles in the Chiefs' Super Bowl title runs, showcasing the effectiveness of this recruitment strategy.
Who is Byron Pringle and what was his impact on the Chiefs?
Byron Pringle, an undrafted free agent from Kansas State, made the Chiefs' 53-man roster in 2019 and became a reliable receiver, contributing to the team's success.
What is the Chiefs' strategy for acquiring undrafted free agents?
The Chiefs focus on identifying talent in the undrafted free agent market, believing that valuable players can be found even after the draft concludes.
