The Kansas City Chiefs are clearly not messing around with their defensive line this season. They just officially signed free agent DE Niles King on Monday afternoon, making another significant move for that unit. This isn’t some isolated decision either. It comes mere weeks after they brought in veteran Emmanuel Ogbah. What does that tell you? It screams a clear, aggressive push to solidify that D-line room and make sure they’re ready for anything the AFC West throws at them.
From Undrafted to Roster Spot: Who Is This Guy?
So, who is Niles King, and why are the Chiefs so locked in on him? He’s a rookie, an undrafted guy from the 2026 NFL Draft. Get this, he actually started his pro journey with an AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers. Seriously! The Bolts signed him earlier this spring after the draft, then , poof , let him go just weeks later. You gotta wonder what the Chiefs saw that the Chargers missed, right? King spent just one season at San Diego State in 2025, but he wasn’t exactly quiet. He put up some solid numbers, grabbing 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 30 combined tackles. That kind of production got him ranked seventh in the entire Mountain West Conference for both sacks and TFL. Before his time with the Aztecs, he honed his skills for four seasons at Grand Valley State. So yeah, this isn’t some fresh-faced kid with zero experience; he’s been battling in the trenches for a while.
The Measurables That Caught KC’s Eye
When you talk about physical tools, King has them in spades. At his Pro Day, he measured in at an impressive nearly 6 feet 6 inches tall and a solid 265 pounds. That’s a big dude. But here’s the stat that’s truly got everyone buzzing, the one that tells you why the Chiefs probably jumped at this chance: his arm length. We’re talking a whopping 34 5/8 inches! His hands weren’t small either, clocking in at 10 1/8 inches. That arm length is no joke; it’s officially the longest among *all* the Chiefs’ defensive ends on their sprawling 90-man roster. Imagine that reach disrupting passing lanes, or the leverage he can get shedding blocks! It screams raw potential and a very specific fit for what their defensive scheme probably wants to do.
The Roster Domino Effect
Of course, every addition means someone else has to go. To make room for King and his impressive reach, the Chiefs waived rookie wide receiver Jeff Caldwell. Caldwell was designated with an injury, which is always a tough break for a young player trying to make his mark. If he manages to clear waivers, he’ll revert to the team’s Reserve/Injured list for the entire 2026 season. It’s a harsh reality of the NFL, but it also shows how committed the Chiefs are to getting a player like King, with his unique physical upside, into that defensive rotation right away.
What’s the takeaway here? With King joining Ogbah, the Chiefs are clearly building some serious depth and a very specific physical profile on that defensive line. They’re not just looking for bodies; they’re looking for impact players. Keep an eye on how this young DE, with those incredible arms, fits into the rotation as the season gets underway. He’s absolutely got a chance to make some real noise and push for playing time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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