Now that the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, the Kansas City Chiefs are hard at work trying to uncover hidden gems as undrafted free agents. They've already had a successful free agency period, retaining some key players while adding some new dynamic ones. That said, there are still opportunities to acquire young guys who could make an impact.
For teams like the Chiefs, who have done a tremendous job in recent years of finding rookies who help transform the outlook of the roster, these moments are how they separate themselves from the pack.
In one underrated undrafted signing, Kansas City might have found its next Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the perimeter to stretch the field.
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing Florida WR Elijhah Badger, per source.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 27, 2025
Chiefs Sign Undrafted Florida WR Elijhah Badger Who Could Fill Marquez Valdes-Scantling Role
The Chiefs reportedly signed Florida wide receiver Elijhah Badger on an undrafted deal. He'll compete in rookie minicamp this weekend, and his statistical profile is one that should excite fans.
After spending the first three years of his collegiate career at Arizona State, Badger went to Florida and shined. He caught 39 passes for 806 yards and four TDs in 2024, amassing an incredibly impressive 20.7 yards per catch. Badger ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and is a field-stretcher, which Andy Reid offenses have always utilized.
#Chiefs UDFA WR Elijhah Badger vs Kentucky & Ole Miss. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/bMCNikCwgI
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) May 2, 2025
Valdes-Scantling had a lot of problems, though he always kept defenses on their heels and came up big in the playoffs. Xavier Worthy can serve that same role, though he showcased an intriguing underneath skill set during his rookie campaign. With Rashee Rice and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown churning out chunk gains as well, someone like Badger may be the missing ingredient.
Obviously, he faces an uphill battle to make the roster. That said, with busts like Skyy Moore clearly on thin ice, Badger may surprise the coaching staff and demand a roster spot. Kansas City has kept seven wideouts on the 53-man roster before, and if they elect to do so once again, someone with Badger's speed is enticing.
We'll see how he looks in rookie minicamp, but Badger is a player that fans should keep an eye on.
