The Kansas City Chiefs are once again making headlines as general manager Brett Veach carefully assembles a roster that boasts competition in crucial positions as the offseason begins. In a surprising twist of fate, safety Tanner McCalister finds himself returning to the Chiefs through what seems like a revolving door, rejoining the team as a reserve/futures signing. This move ensures his spot on the 90-man roster when the new league year kicks off in March.
McCalister initially entered the Chiefs' fold as a late-season acquisition after impressing during a tryout with ten other hopefuls at Arrowhead Stadium. Veach was drawn to McCalister, a seasoned safety embarking on his fourth professional year in 2026, along with offensive lineman Nick Broeker, both of whom caught his eye during the evaluation process.
However, just three weeks later, McCalister was unexpectedly released alongside quarterback Shane Buechele to make room for new talent on the offensive front, specifically wide receiver Andrew Armstrong and running back ShunDerrick Powell. Following his release, McCalister swiftly joined the practice squad of the Denver Broncos.
Now, he is back with the Chiefs, eager to make a mark in the secondary. For those who follow college football closely, McCalister’s journey began at Oklahoma State before he transferred to Ohio State for his final collegiate season in 2022. Despite going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the Cleveland Browns shortly after the draft.
During training camp with the Browns, McCalister made a notable impression. Although he didn't break into the active roster immediately, he secured a spot on the practice squad, gradually working his way up the depth chart. By the end of the season, he had participated in three games, contributing 19 snaps on defense along with valuable experience in special teams.
His journey continued with the Denver Broncos, where he replicated a similar narrative, earning game day activations from the practice squad and appearing in three games in the 2024 season. In 2025, McCalister attempted to secure a position with the New York Jets but was released prior to roster finalizations. After a brief wait, the Chiefs reached out, bringing him back into the fold as part of this ongoing roster shuffle.
The Chiefs have a remarkable history of discovering dedicated players who seamlessly integrate into their special teams scheme, often leading to unexpected contributions. Perhaps Tanner McCalister will be the latest gem unearthed by Dave Toub and the special teams unit in Kansas City.
