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Undrafted rookie finally able to prove to Kansas City Chiefs he deserved a shot after earning second tryout in mandatory minicamp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Charles Goldman | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 9:42 PM ET

An undrafted free agent proved that the second time is actually the charm with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Former South Dakota C Joey Lombard was originally among the 60 tryout players at the team's rookie minicamp in May . He didn't break in with the team back then, also participating in the New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp. He did, however, impress the coaching staff and front office enough to earn another opportunity.

Lombard was among four tryout players who participated in the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp, and he's now the second player to sign with the team alongside TE Geor'Quarius Spivey. OSMG North Agency announced that Lombard had signed with the team on Instagram.

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Lombard, listed at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, started 48 career games with the Coyotes from 2019-2024. He played both center and left guard during his time at South Dakota, earning Second-Team All-American honors in 2024, First-Team All-MVFC honors in 2024, and Second-Team All-MVFC honors in 2023. He was an alternate team captain as a senior in 2024, as well.

The Chiefs have some need for depth on the interior offensive line, especially losing a perennial All-Pro like Joe Thuney who provided stability at the left guard position. Adding a player like Lombard will certainly increase competition behind the likes of Kingsley Suamataia and Mike Caliendo, also giving the team another player who can compete with Hunter Nourzad at center behind Creed Humphrey.

We await corresponding roster moves, but along with the Spivey signing, the Chiefs will now have two roster spots to clear to make room for the newest additions.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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