On Tuesday afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs made significant updates to their roster by announcing two important procedural lineup changes through their official X account. This announcement signals the team’s commitment to strengthening their squad as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

The franchise has officially signed defensive back Nazeeh Johnson and offensive lineman Mike Caliendo, both of whom were classified as “exclusive rights free agents” at the start of the offseason. The team had tendered offers to both players last month, indicating their intention to keep these talented individuals within the organization.

Players qualify as exclusive rights free agents when their active-roster contracts expire before they accumulate three seasons of service time. This marks a threshold that would typically allow them to enter restricted free agency. By offering a one-year, minimum salary contract, a team can retain their rights. If offered a contract, exclusive rights free agents are prohibited from negotiating with other teams.

The Chiefs selected Johnson from Marshall in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the final member of the “Fab Five” defensive backs from that draft class. The 25-year-old athlete joined the active roster in late September, where he contributed exclusively on special teams. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable asset as he continues to develop within the team.

Kansas City lists the 5-foot-10, 199-pound defensive back at the safety position, although he showcased his skills as a starting cornerback alongside L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie during last year’s training camp before suffering a torn ACL. His recovery from this injury is increasingly crucial, particularly with Sneed now part of the Tennessee Titans, leaving a gap in the secondary that Johnson will aim to fill.

Meanwhile, Caliendo, aged 26, spent the entire 2022 season on the Kansas City practice squad before ultimately earning a spot on the roster for the 2023 season. His presence adds much-needed depth to the offensive line, particularly in the interior. With Nick Allegretti’s departure to the Washington Commanders, Caliendo’s role has escalated to becoming the primary interior backup as the team gears up for the challenges of the upcoming season.