KC Chiefs Reportedly Re-Sign Malik Herring, Three Other Exclusive Rights Free Agents
Update: Per a Monday afternoon announcement from the Chiefs, linebacker Jack Cochrane has also been given an exclusive rights tender. Cochrane, 25, played in every game this past season and recorded 28 tackles. During the regular season, he logged 180 snaps on defense and another 336 on special teams.
The original story from Monday continues below.
As the NFL's legal tampering period ramps up, all 32 clubs are busy working out contracts with outside candidates and attempting to strike deals with internal ones. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the early portion of Monday's tampering window sees the club reunite with some familiar faces.
On Monday morning, long snapper James Winchester reportedly agreed to terms with the team on a new contract. Now, per Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, four exclusive rights free agents are re-signing with the team.
The group consists of cornerback Nazeeh Johnson, linebacker Cole Christiansen, interior offensive lineman Mike Caliendo and defensive end Malik Herring.
Herring undoubtedly headlines this class of Chiefs ERFAs. The 26-year-old played in seven games this past regular season, amassing 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He played 163 snaps for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen, good for 36% of those available in the games he was active for. During the team's run to Super Bowl LVIII, Herring had another four tackles and played 50 snaps on defense.
Johnson, a 2022 seventh-round pick, played in 11 games as a rookie but saw a torn ACL end his sophomore campaign before it even began. The Marshall product was primed to be a "core-four" special teams option for Dave Toub, ultimately being on the shelf all season instead. Eyeing a return for the 2024 season, Johnson could factor into special teams plans and perhaps even earn some reps on defense.
Christiansen played in five games in the 2023-24 regular season, logging 23 snaps on special teams. He's a trusted option for Toub and had two tackles in the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills. Caliendo saw plenty of action in Week 18's finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, logging 57 offensive snaps. He played 19 special teams snaps during the postseason.
As ERFAs, these players have two or fewer accrued seasons and an expired contract. They'll be compensated based on their level of experience in the league, albeit on a veteran minimum basis. Teams oftentimes bring back their ERFAs who may offer any sort of potential value, as doing so is cost-effective and presents very little risk. For the quartet of Herring, Johnson, Christiansen and Caliendo, they'll return to Kansas City and look to make an impact in 2024.
