KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a move that underscores the ruthless calculus of NFL roster management, the Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed veteran defensive end Malik Herring to their practice squad, parting ways with promising undrafted rookie wide receiver Jimmy Holiday in the process. The transaction, announced via the NFL’s personnel notice on Tuesday, November 4, comes just one week after Herring’s release from the active 53-man roster and highlights the Chiefs’ priority on bolstering their defensive depth heading into the stretch run of the 2025 season.
The decision arrives on the heels of the NFL trade deadline, where Kansas City opted for subtle tweaks rather than splashy acquisitions, much to the chagrin of a fanbase hungry for offensive firepower to complement star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With injuries lurking around every corner in the trenches, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach appear to be playing it safe, opting for a familiar face over unproven potential.
Herring’s Homecoming: A Steady Hand on the Edge
Malik Herring, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Georgia in 2021, knows Arrowhead Stadium like the back of his hand. The 27-year-old has spent the last five seasons with the Chiefs, suiting up for 28 games (including one start) and logging 28 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and a pass batted away. While his stat line doesn’t scream superstar, Herring has been a reliable rotational piece and special teams contributor, embodying the gritty, blue-collar ethos that defines Reid’s defenses.
Just last week, the Chiefs waived Herring to accommodate the return of defensive tackle Mike Pennel from injured reserve. In a twist of fate, Herring has now circled back to the practice squad, occupying one of the six veteran slots available under league rules. So far in 2025, he’s appeared in two games without recording a statistic, but his value lies in his readiness to step in. Should edge rusher George Karlaftis or Mike Danna go down with an injury, Herring is the obvious call-up candidate—a low-risk insurance policy for a Super Bowl contender.
“Herring’s been through the wars with us,” a source close to the team told reporters. “He’s not going to wow you with highlight-reel plays, but he’s the guy you want in a pinch. Depth wins championships, and this is about that.”
The Price: Saying Goodbye to Jimmy Holiday’s Flash
The corresponding roster churn hit harder on the offensive side. Rookie wide receiver Jimmy Holiday, who dazzled during training camp and preseason with his route-running finesse and special teams prowess, was released from the practice squad. The former Louisiana Tech standout arrived in Kansas City as an undrafted gem, turning heads with his speed, hands, and willingness to contribute on kick coverage units. At 23, Holiday represented the kind of high-upside developmental project that could have paid dividends down the line.
However, with seven wideouts already entrenched on the 53-man roster—including stars like Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice—and two more (Jason Brownlee and an unnamed veteran) holding practice squad spots, Holiday’s path to touches was blocked. The Chiefs’ crowded receiver room, a luxury in a pass-heavy offense, left little room for experimentation.
It’s a tough pill for fans to swallow. Holiday’s preseason exploits—snagging contested catches and flashing return-man potential—hinted at a role similar to Kadarius Toney’s early days in KC. If he latches on elsewhere, Kansas City could rue the day they let him slip away. That said, league insiders whisper that the Chiefs might circle back if Holiday clears waivers or goes unclaimed, potentially stashing him for a future need.
Updated Practice Squad: Stability Over Surprise
The move reshuffles the Chiefs’ practice squad, maintaining a balance of youth, experience, and positional versatility. Here’s the revamped 16-man unit as of November 5:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| WR | Jason Brownlee |
| LB | Cole Christiansen |
| DE | Ethan Downs |
| S | Mike Edwards |
| RB | Clyde Edwards-Helaire |
| DE | Malik Herring (NEW) |
| OT | Chu Godrick |
| OL | C.J. Hanson |
| DT | Brodric Martin |
| QB | Chris Oladokun |
| DT | Zacch Pickens |
| OL | Esa Pole |
| CB | Melvin Smith |
| DE | Tyreke Smith |
| FB | Carson Steele |
| DT | Marlon Tuipulotu |
| TE | Tre Watson |
Bold indicates the key addition from this transaction.
Notable absences include Holiday, whose departure creates a minor ripple in the wide receiver pipeline but doesn’t disrupt the immediate depth chart.
Looking Ahead: Chiefs’ Balancing Act
As the Chiefs (7-2 entering Week 10) gear up for a pivotal divisional clash with the Denver Broncos, this transaction feels like a pragmatic hedge against the unknown. Kansas City’s defense, ranked top-10 in sacks and points allowed, can’t afford to gamble on the edges—literally. Yet, the offense, while explosive, craves depth to weather the grind of a 17-game slate.
Fans may grumble about the lack of a trade-deadline blockbuster, but Reid’s track record speaks for itself: methodical roster tweaks have fueled three Super Bowl appearances in five years. Herring’s return is a nod to that philosophy—prioritizing proven reliability over raw promise.
For Jimmy Holiday, the door isn’t fully shut. The NFL’s waiver wire is a revolving one, and a player with his skill set won’t stay buried long. Whether he returns to KC or forges a new path, his brief Chiefs tenure served as a reminder of the league’s Darwinian edge.
Stay tuned to Grok Sports for updates as the Chiefs push toward another Lombardi Trophy hunt. Will Herring prove his worth in a call-up? And could Holiday’s release spark a surprise reunion? Only time—and Andy Reid—will tell.