South Dakota star lands surprise Chiefs deal after minicamp audition

The Kansas City Chiefs have added another name to their offensive line room as they continue to sort out the competition heading into next month's training camp. Former South Dakota standout Joey Lombard has signed with the team following a tryout at the team’s recent three-day mandatory minicamp.

Lombard arrives in Kansas City after a strong college career with the Coyotes, where he was a four-year starter and a 2024 second-team All-American selection. He spent most of his time at center but also logged starts at left guard, giving him the sort of positional versatility that coaches value in a developmental prospect.

"Joey undoubtedly has the talent, work ethic, and professionalism to be a great contributor in the NFL," said South Dakota head football coach Travis Johansen, in a press release.

The Chiefs decided to sign Joe Lombard after hosting him for a workout in minicamp.

At USD, Lombard anchored a line that was among the best in the FCS last season, helping the Coyotes finish sixth overall in rushing yards/game and ninth in total offense. His reliability and durability (48 career starts) earned him All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in both 2023 and 2024.

Even with those accolades, Lombard’s odds of making the Chiefs’ final roster aren't good. The team might be shaking things up inside, especially with the trade of Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, but others have been waiting their turn for more reps—from C.J. Hanson and Hunter Nourzad to Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia.

Still, Lombard impressed enough during his minicamp tryout to earn a closer look in camp. He'll now get the chance to compete with a realistic best-case scenario of making the practice squad coming into the regular season.

Lombard joins fellow South Dakota alum LB Jack Cochrane in Kansas City, and hopes to have a similar ability to stay for multiple seasons with a Super Bowl contender. For now, Lombard adds another name to monitor as the o-line picture takes shape over the rest of the summer.