The Kansas City Chiefs signed six new players to reserve/futures contracts on Tuesday. The signings give the Chiefs access to promising young players and give the prospects a chance to make the club in 2017. It’s a flyer on both sides, but there are some success stories from the reserve/futures ranks, from New York Giants defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins to Chiefs running back Spencer Ware.
Think of a reserve/futures contract as equivalent to a practice squad player. When the new league year starts with the beginning of free agency, roster limits climb to 90 spots. Practice squads also disappear at this time of year.