Mike Caliendo
Getty
Mike Caliendo has re-signed with the Chiefs in free agency on a one-year contract
The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t make it to the playoffs last year, and early in the offseason, they have made it abundantly clear that they aren’t OK with that happening again. The Chiefs have been aggressive when it comes to retooling their coaching staff and their roster, but there is still a slew of players that they have managed to keep in town.
One guy whose future with the team was up in the air this offseason is backup offensive lineman Mike Caliendo. Primarily playing at the guard position, Caliendo is an overlooked piece of Kansas City’s offensive line, and while he had an opportunity to find a new home in free agency, it looks like he’s sticking with the only team he’s played for in the NFL.
Mike Caliendo Re-Signs with Chiefs on 1-Year Contract
Jeremy Fowler
Free agent guard Mike Caliendo is signing a one-year deal to remain with the Chiefs, per agent Nate Richman of @3XLSports.
Caliendo had numerous offers elsewhere but wanted to stay with Kansas City.
Caliendo didn’t hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft, but that didn’t stop him from finding a way to carve out a role with the Chiefs. After spending the entire 2022 campaign on the practice squad, Caliendo earned a gig as a backup offensive lineman for Kansas City. In both of these seasons, the Chiefs won Super Bowls, giving Caliendo the taste of victory in the NFL right off the bat.
In 2024 and 2025, Caliendo has continued to earn more and more responsibilities for K.C. He’s suited up for all 17 games in both seasons, starting seven total contests during that time. While he’s never gotten a true opportunity to be a full-time starter in the pros, some folks believed Caliendo could receive a bigger role if he signed with a new team in free agency.
The Chiefs let Caliendo hit the open market, which seemingly hinted at his potential exit. Instead, after combing through his options, Caliendo decided to return to Kansas City for the 2026 campaign, as he reportedly re-signed with K.C. on a one-year contract in free agency on Saturday afternoon.
“Free agent guard Mike Caliendo is signing a one-year deal to remain with the Chiefs, per agent Nate Richman of 3XL Sports Management,” Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported in a post on X. “Caliendo had numerous offers elsewhere but wanted to stay with Kansas City.”
Chiefs Keep Key Piece of Offensive Line Depth in Town
Mike Caliendo
GettyMike Caliendo has re-signed with the Chiefs in free agency on a one-year contract
Having good depth in the NFL is a luxury not many teams have, and for the past few seasons, the Chiefs have been blessed to have Caliendo, as they know they can plug him into the starting lineup and he will hold his own. Losing him in free agency would have been a big blow, so keeping him around on what figures to be a cheap one-year deal is a win.
With Trey Smith and Kingsley Suamataia entrenched as Kansas City’s starting guards, there isn’t going to be much playing time available for Caliendo on most weeks. However, he could be used as a sixth lineman in heavy formations, and if one of these guys gets injured, the Chiefs know they can comfortably turn to him. This isn’t an outrageously flashy signing, but keeping Caliendo around is a big win for the front office.