This unexpected name could sneak onto the Chiefs roster again in 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to invest draft choices in the defensive front year after year, and it's to Malik Herring's credit that he's still fighting for a spot on the active roster in his fifth NFL season.

Despite signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and beginning his career as a stash on injured reserve, Herring has become a reliable rotational option on the edge. Every year, it looks as if Herring might be out of chances in Kansas City, yet he's staved off the competition every single time to remain in red and gold.

That said, the competition is greater than ever for Herring. With the re-signing of Charles Omenihu and the selection of Ashton Gillotte in the third round of the 2025 draft, the Chiefs have greater depth on the edges than they have in years. They're going to occupy the primary backup slots behind George Karlaftis and Mike Danna, who seem entrenched as starters in the base defense.

Malik Herring keeps finding ways to extend his unlikely career. Can he do it again in 2025?

The Chiefs also still owe Felix Anudike-Uzomah some money, and as a former first-rounder, he should have the on-paper reasons to stick over Herring. That's not set in stone, of course, but it does mean that Herring faces long odds to make the team's active roster. That said, he's been in this position before.

Herring has watched the likes of Joshua Kaindoh, Truman Jones, B.J. Thompson, Shilique Calhoun, Daniel Wise, Austin Edwards, and more over the last few years. What's another year of Janarius Robinson?

This decision to employ Herring on the active roster might come down to keeping a 10th defensive lineman for Steve Spagnuolo's defense, which could mean it's out of Herring's hands entirely. But at the very least, Herring is doing all he can to once again beat the odds to further his career for a fifth NFL season.