Chiefs Re-Sign G Mike Caliendo

Caliendo signed in 2022 with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan, where he spent six years, four as a full-time starter. Taking over the left guard job for the Broncos during his redshirt freshman season, he started every game for the team at that position for the next three years, including the COVID-shortened 2020 season that granted him a sixth year of eligibility. A first-team All-Mac and Academic All-American athlete, Caliendo turned down chances at both the NFL and medical school to return with his sixth year of eligibility and demonstrated some versatility with a position shift to center in his final season in Kalamazoo.

Caliendo won a ring in his rookie year as a member of the practice squad, failing to see the field in his first season of NFL play. He signed a reserve/futures deal to remain in Kansas City, though, and in Year 2, he made the 53-man roster and appeared in 12 games, mostly on special teams, including the four-game playoff run to his second Super Bowl ring. In 2024, he held a similar role until Week 14, when he made three spot starts at left guard as regular guard Joe Thuney kicked out to cover the blindside tackle spot for a benched Wanya Morris. When Thuney got hurt before the playoffs, Caliendo started the team’s three playoff games at left guard, including their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Caliendo got four more spot starts at right guard this year, covering for an injured Trey Smith.

Thanks to Caliendo’s desire to remain a Chief, even after a down year for the franchise, Kansas City returns a reliable, versatile backup on the offensive interior line, one they often utilize on special teams and heavy formations, as well. After releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor last week, the Chiefs will likely see some change along their offensive front. Locking in a strong depth piece like Caliendo should provide the team with a bit of solace as they look to fill the hole left by Taylor’s departure.