Andy Reid just flipped the Chiefs’ strategy on its head on trade deadline day. The Kansas City Chiefs offensive room took a surprising hit as a recently signed talent was shown the door. Simultaneously, Reid doubled down on defense, adding a 27-year-old enforcer to the roster, raising questions of abandoning their offensive firepower to rebuild a tougher defense.

“The Chiefs have signed DL Malik Herring to the practice squad. They terminated the practice squad contract of WR Jimmy Holiday,” Nick Jacobs wrote on X.

The Kansas City Chiefs terminated the practice-squad contract of wide receiver Jimmy Holiday on November 4, 2025. The 2025 undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech originally signed his rookie deal in May and joined the practice squad after final roster cuts. His contract was valued at $234,000 for the year, with no guaranteed money.  

Holiday never appeared on the Chiefs’ active 53-man roster during the regular season. He logged some preseason action, catching 3 of 4 targets for 60 yards, including a 50-yard reception, and returning two kicks for 56 yards. 

His presence had been developmental rather than strategic. Cut from the practice squad, he becomes a free agent eligible to sign with any team willing to invest in his potential. The young receiver is replaced by Malik Herring, who has spent five seasons with Kansas City. 

Andy Reid’s defense reinforcement after Bills loss and unsuccessful Breece Hall trade

The Kansas City Chiefs added defensive lineman Malik Herring to their practice squad after cutting ties with Jimmy Holiday. Herring, an undrafted free agent out of the Georgia Bulldogs in 2021, has spent his NFL career with Kansas City. 

In his time with the Chiefs, Herring has appeared in 26 regular-season games, recording 15 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks. His role has primarily been rotational. With his return to the squad, Kansas City adds depth to the defensive front and boosts their edge rush and run-defense options. This move is significant, as the New York Jets did not take up the Chiefs’ offer for Breece Hall.

“We got a 100-yard rusher against the Chiefs, which does not happen too often at all. The way that James ran the ball tonight was awesome,” Josh Allen said.

The recent setback for the Chiefs’ defense resulted in a 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, during which Kansas City surrendered 114 rushing yards on 27 carries to running back James Cook. He became the first RB to gain over 100 rushing yards against KC in the last 33 regular-season games. He also set a new record as the second Buffalo RB in franchise history to record 330+ rushing yards in a two-game span.

The Bills’ explosive ground attack and tight-end threats exposed vulnerabilities in the Chiefs’ front. Herring’s addition bolsters the interior and edge rotation, offering fresh energy and an experienced body familiar with the system. And dominance of such a level against one of the elite franchises in the league justifies Andy Reid’s decision to bring on Malik Herring. 

By reinforcing the trenches, Kansas City aims to improve its run fits, gap discipline, and third-down stops. Herring isn’t exactly the offensive reinforcement like Breece Hall that Kansas City was looking for, but his presence strengthens the unit. With a playoff probability of 71% and aspirations still alive. The practice-squad signing reflects the Chiefs’ intent to shore up mistakes with no options to rebuild.