The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive end Malik Herring to a one-year deal, ensuring his return for another season with the reigning Super Bowl champions. Herring, who originally joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia following the 2021 NFL Draft, has steadily developed into a valuable piece of Kansas City’s defensive rotation.
Despite going undrafted, Herring was a highly regarded prospect coming out of college. He played for the University of Georgia, where he was a key contributor to their defensive front. Unfortunately, his draft stock took a hit due to an ACL injury he suffered during practices for the Senior Bowl. This setback sidelined him for his entire rookie season, as he spent the year on the Chiefs’ non-football injury list.
However, Herring remained determined to bounce back. He worked his way onto the active roster in 2022 and has since become a reliable depth piece for Kansas City’s defensive line. In the 2023 season, he appeared in 12 games, recording 12 total tackles and a tackle for loss. While his stats may not jump off the page, his contributions as a rotational defensive lineman helped the Chiefs maintain a strong defensive front throughout the season.
Kansas City has made it a priority to retain key depth players this offseason, and Herring’s re-signing reflects their commitment to keeping continuity on their defense. With the Chiefs’ defensive line featuring stars like Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, Herring will continue to provide valuable depth and rotational snaps, particularly in run-stopping situations.
One of the most significant aspects of Herring’s journey is his perseverance. Overcoming a major knee injury and going undrafted to now being part of a two-time Super Bowl-winning team is a testament to his resilience and hard work. He was part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII-winning squad and also contributed in their recent Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
As the Chiefs prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Herring will have another opportunity to prove himself and take his game to the next level. With another year in the system and more experience under his belt, he could see an expanded role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme. Kansas City’s defense played a crucial role in their championship run last season, and Herring’s continued presence will add to their depth as they aim for a historic three-peat.