This UDFA signing might be Chiefs' best pickup of 2026 NFL offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs' receiving corps needed a shot in the arm after a failed 2025 regular-season campaign, and general manager Brett Veach may have found a wideout who can give the unit a lift in former Cincinnati Bearcats pass-catcher Jeff Caldwell, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent last week.

Traits often determine which undrafted free agents become priority signings for NFL teams. Caldwell is 6'5", 216 lbs., and tested in or above the 95th percentile for wide receivers in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump, and broad jump. He's the size of an NBA wing and is faster than the defensive backs he outweighs by 20 pounds.

Caldwell uses his size to box defenders out at the catch point and offers the combination of size and ball skills to dominate on red zone fades and slants. Unfortunately, that large build limits his ability to separate from tight coverage. His route running generates inconsistent separation, and his limited production in 2025 relied heavily on a handful of explosive plays.

However, Caldwell possesses the speed to stretch the defense and create underneath opportunities for his teammates. He can tilt the outcomes of games when he gets the ball in space.

These traits make Caldwell an outstanding developmental prospect who should be able to make an impact for Kansas City as soon as he starts getting playing time in Andy Reid's offense.

Whether he will be able to earn a spot on the Chiefs' 53-man roster as a rookie remains to be seen, but with his exceptional physical gifts, Veach and Reid will be sure to keep a close eye on their newest wideout during Kansas City's offseason program and training camp.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs rookie class: Underrated UDFA WR might be KC's best signing yet