The offseason has kicked off with a bang, and the Kansas City Chiefs are taking proactive steps to bolster their offensive lineup for the 2024 NFL season.
This week, the NFL has been abuzz with the free agency frenzy, as teams scramble to either retain their key players or snatch up new talent. The Chiefs are strategically securing several of their players with qualifying tenders to ensure they don’t slip away into free agency.
Matt Derrick from Chiefs Digest reports that among these players is the backup offensive lineman, Mike Caliendo.
According to Derrick, the Chiefs have successfully re-signed four exclusive rights free agents:
– CB Nazeeh Johnson
– LB Cole Christiansen
– G/C Mike Caliendo
– DE Malik Herring
All four are set to return to Kansas City for the 2024 season.
Caliendo, who went undrafted in 2022, has primarily honed his skills on the Chiefs’ practice squad. During his tenure at Western Michigan, he made a significant impact, with the team ranking second in the MAC conference for total offensive yards in his final year. His outstanding performance earned him a first-team all-conference nod and made him a finalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy.
The Chiefs have faced challenges with injuries on their offensive line during their last two Super Bowl campaigns. The depth of this position is crucial, and retaining a player like Caliendo, who is already familiar with the team’s system and shows potential for growth, is key to maintaining team stability and readiness for the challenges ahead.