Chiefs’ rookie free-agent roster is loaded with KC-local products and NFL dreams
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs began a two-day rookie free-agent workout featuring multiple local college players.
- Daniel Hishaw Jr., who rushed for 23 TDs at KU, is a tryout candidate with the Chiefs.
- Tryout candidates included players from Missouri, Kansas State, and Pittsburg State.
Daniel Hishaw Jr., who led the Kansas Jayhawks in rushing last season, was part of group of rookie free agents that began a two-day workout with the Chiefs on Friday.
Hishaw finished his KU career, which started in 2020, with 23 rushing touchdowns. That’s tied for fifth most in program history.
He’s a tryout candidate with the Chiefs, as is wide receiver Xaiver Loyd, a Blue Springs native who started for the Missouri Tigers in their bowl last season.
Other Chiefs tryout candidates at this weekend’s rookie minicamp include:
• Triston Newsom, who started six games at linebacker for Mizzou last season. Newsom appeared in 25 games for the Tigers over two seasons.
• Steven Ward II, a linebacker from Pittsburg State. The Nixa, Missouri native started his career at Missouri State, and finished with 98 tackles for the Gorillas last season.
• Gunner Maldonado, a safety for Kansas State, started the final six games for the Wildcats. In 2023, he was the Alamo Bowl defensive MVP while playing for Arizona.
• K-State long-snapper Mason Olguin, who appeared in 26 games over parts of three seasons with the Wildcats.
• Missouri Western State defensive lineman Grant Finley, who made six tackles for loss totaling 33 yards in college last season.
This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:45 PM.