The Kansas City Chiefs have made a strategic addition to their roster, signing wide receiver Hal Presley to their 90-man roster on the eve of their 2025 training camp, as reported by the NFL’s official transactions report. This move comes as the Chiefs look to bolster their wide receiver corps, filling the vacancy left by the recently waived Justyn Ross. Presley, a former Baylor standout, brings an intriguing skill set to Kansas City after being released by the Buffalo Bills following their rookie minicamp earlier this year.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 197 pounds, Presley is a tall, athletic target who amassed over 1,000 receiving yards during his four-year collegiate career at Baylor. His career stats include 81 receptions for 1,048 yards and seven touchdowns, with his best season coming in 2024 when he recorded 31 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns. In 2022, Presley earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention, hauling in 32 receptions for 382 yards and four scores, showcasing his ability to make an impact in a competitive conference.
His size and production have earned him the nickname “assassin” among scouts, a nod to his ability to make contested catches and stretch the field. While not known for elite speed, Presley’s physicality and reliable hands make him a valuable asset, particularly in a Chiefs offense that thrives on versatility and precision.
Presley entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Buffalo Bills on May 9, 2025, after the NFL Draft. Despite participating in Buffalo’s rookie minicamp, he was waived roughly two weeks later, unable to secure a spot on their roster. The Bills opted to part ways with Presley in favor of veteran wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, leaving the young receiver searching for a new opportunity.
The Chiefs, known for their keen eye for talent, quickly swooped in to sign Presley, beating out other candidates like former Green Bay Packers draft pick Amari Rodgers and former Denver Broncos draft pick Seth Williams, who also tried out for the team. This decision highlights Kansas City’s confidence in Presley’s potential to contribute, even in a highly competitive wide receiver room.
The Chiefs’ wide receiver group is already stacked with talent, featuring established players like Xavier Worthy, who led the team in receiving yards as a rookie in 2024 despite inconsistent deep-ball chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, the team has faced challenges with depth due to injuries and departures. Key receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown were limited to just six combined regular-season games in 2024 due to injuries, and veterans like DeAndre Hopkins and Mecole Hardman signed with other teams in the offseason.
With Rice facing a potential NFL suspension in 2025 due to his involvement in a Dallas car crash, the Chiefs are looking to younger players and new additions like Presley to step up. While Presley is considered a long shot to make the 53-man roster, his size and skill set make him a strong candidate for the practice squad, where he can develop and potentially earn a call-up during the season. His 6-foot-3 frame offers a unique dimension to a receiver group that lacks many players of his stature, potentially allowing him to stand out in training camp.
Presley’s signing comes at a critical time as the Chiefs prepare for their first training camp practice on July 22, 2025, at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. The team is coming off a 2024 season that saw them reach Super Bowl LIX, only to be defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in a blowout. Despite the loss, Kansas City remains a powerhouse, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid, and a stout defense leading the charge. However, the offense struggled with consistency last season, ranking 17th in PFF pass-blocking grade and 15th in PFF receiving grade, underscoring the need for reliable playmakers.
For Presley, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. He’ll need to quickly learn Andy Reid’s complex playbook and make an impression in a crowded receiver room. His ability to compete against other depth players like Nikko Remigio and Skyy Moore, who are also fighting for roster spots, will be crucial. If Presley can replicate the standout performances he showed at Baylor, he could carve out a role in Kansas City, either on the practice squad or, with a strong camp, as a dark-horse candidate for the active roster.
The Chiefs’ decision to sign Presley reflects their ongoing commitment to building depth and fostering competition. While the top of their receiver depth chart is set, the final one or two spots are up for grabs, and Presley’s addition injects fresh talent into the mix. As training camp unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this 1,000-yard “assassin” can translate his college production to the NFL and make a lasting impact with one of the league’s premier franchises.
With the Chiefs aiming to rebound from their Super Bowl loss and chase another AFC title, Presley’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a potential contributor in Kansas City is a storyline to watch. For now, he’s a long shot with a big opportunity, and Chiefs Kingdom will be eager to see if he can seize it.