Chiefs sign defensive end Niles King, waive injured rookie Jeff Caldwell
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Niles King #44 of the San Diego State Aztecs works against Tyler Chen #62 of the San Jose State Spartans during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium.
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Niles King #44 of the San Diego State Aztecs works against Tyler Chen #62 of the San Jose State Spartans during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium on November 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images On Monday afternoon, the added another player to the defensive line room after signing veteran Emmanuel Ogbah just a few weeks ago.
We have signed Free Agent DE Niles King.
We have waived WR Jeff Caldwell with an injury designation. — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs)
Defensive end Niles King is a rookie from San Diego State who was initially signed by the Los Angeles Chargers this spring after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. King was let go just weeks after signing with the Chiefs’ AFC West rival.
With the Aztecs for just one season, King totaled 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 30 combined tackles during the 2025 campaign. He ranked seventh in the Mountain West Conference in sacks and tackles for loss. Prior to San Diego State, King played four seasons at Grand Valley State University.
At his Pro Day, King measured nearly 6 feet 6 inches tall and 265 pounds; his arm length was 34 5/8 inches, and his hands measured 10 1/8 inches. King’s arm length is now the longest among the Chiefs’ defensive ends on the 90-man roster.
To make room for the defensive end, the Chiefs waived rookie wide receiver Jeff Caldwell with an injury designation. If Caldwell clears waivers, he will revert to the team’s Reserve/Injured list for the 2026 season.
