Full Breakdown
Chiefs Add Three Tryout Players to 90-Man Roster After Rookie Minicamp
5/5/2026, 7:14:57 AM
Background: Rookie Minicamp and Tryout Process
The Chiefs’ rookie minicamp took place over a three-day weekend in early May. Sources report the camp hosted between 70 and 108 participants, including draft picks, undrafted free agents, and a large pool of tryout invitees. Seventy-six to 108 hopefuls competed for limited roster spots, and three stood out enough to earn contracts.
Player Profiles: Loyd, Sewell, Benson
- Xavier Loyd (WR, Missouri/Illinois State/Kansas State) – 6-ft-2, 196 lb. In 2024 at Illinois State he logged 66 receptions for 912 yds and six TDs; at Missouri in 2025 he recorded two catches for 21 yds in 13 games. Measurables: 4.50-sec 40-yard dash, 38-in vertical, 10-ft-7-in broad jump.
- Marlen Sewell (S, Vanderbilt) – 6-ft-1, 199 lb. Appeared in 45 games, amassing 101-102 tackles, three passes defended, and a half-sack. Senior season (2025) produced 52 tackles, two passes defended, and 1.5 TFL. Measurables: 4.48-sec 40-yard dash, 36-in vertical, 10-ft-6-in broad jump.
- Kahlil Benson (OT, Indiana/Colorado) – 6-ft-6, 319-321 lb. Started 12 games at right tackle for Indiana’s 2025 national-champion team; also logged four starts at right guard for Colorado (2024). Yielded 24 pressures on 382 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. Measurables: 5.08-sec 40-yard dash, 30½-in vertical, 9-ft-1-in broad jump.
Roster Moves: Waivers of Haener, Hurkett, Pickens
To accommodate the three signings, the Chiefs released quarterback Jake Haener, defensive end Ethan Hurkett (spelled “Burkett” in one outlet), and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens. Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick, had been a reserve/future signee after three seasons with New Orleans. Hurkett entered as an undrafted free agent from Iowa; Pickens, a 2023 third-round pick, spent 2025 on the practice squad before appearing in three games.
Statistical Overview
- Loyd: 66 receptions, 912 yds, 6 TDs (2024); 2 receptions, 21 yds (2025).
- Sewell: 101-102 tackles, 3 PD, 0.5 sack (career).
- Benson: 12 starts (2025), 24 pressures on 382 snaps; 4 starts at guard (2024).
Impact on Roster Depth and Strategy
The signings address three immediate needs: special-teams contributors at receiver and safety, and depth at right tackle after the departure of veteran Jawaan Taylor. Benson’s experience on a CFP-championship line offers a potential upgrade at the position. Sewell provides a versatile safety who can contribute on coverage and special teams. Loyd’s local ties and measurable upside give the Chiefs a developmental receiver with special-teams upside.
Official Statements & Responses
The Chiefs announced via their official Twitter account that the three undrafted free agents had been added to the 90-man offseason roster and that Haener, Hurkett, and Pickens were waived. Team communications emphasized the “great rookie minicamp” performances as the basis for the contracts and noted the roster adjustments as part of the offseason evaluation process.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted the release of Ethan Hurkett as surprising given the team’s need for depth at defensive end. The waiver of Jake Haener was linked to the acquisition of quarterback Justin Fields and the drafting of Garrett Nussmeier, moving Haener to the fifth spot on the depth chart. Some observers questioned whether the timing of Pickens’ release, after the addition of first-round defensive lineman Peter Woods and the return of Omarr Norman-Lott, fully addressed the interior-line depth concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Participant count varies: 70+, 76, 105, and 108 reported across sources.
- Defensive end’s surname appears as “Hurkett” and “Burkett.”
- Wide receiver’s last name appears as “Loyd” and “Lloyd.”
- Loyd’s 2025 Missouri production is listed as two catches for 21 yds in most reports, but one outlet cites three catches.
- No direct comments from the three signed players were provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have waived QB Jake Haener, DE Ethan Hurkett, and DT Zacch Pickens.” — Kansas City Chiefs, Official Twitter (May 4 2026)
- “Chiefs stun NFL, sign CFP champion after successful rookie camp tryout We have signed Free Agents WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, T Kahlil Benson.” — Kansas City Chiefs, Official Twitter (May 4 2026)
- “had a great rookie minicamp.” — Matt Derrick, Chiefs Digest
- “This signing screams of Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub.” — Chiefs Wire, Staff Writer
- “Loyd played in all 13 games for Mizzou last season but logged only two catches for 21 yards.” — AtoZ Sports, Staff Writer
What’s Next
The Chiefs will continue evaluating the expanded roster through organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp. Final cuts to the 53-man roster are expected before the regular season, with particular attention to competition at right tackle, safety, and special-teams roles.
