Kansas City Chiefs Shake Up Practice Squad, Release WR Jimmy Holiday After Trade Deadline

By Michael Obermuller

KANSAS CITY — Nov. 4, 2025

NFL roster gymnastics are nothing new, but the Kansas City Chiefs made headlines Tuesday evening with a pair of practice squad moves, one of which came as a surprise to fans who had been tracking the progress of a promising rookie wide receiver.

The Chiefs signed defensive lineman Malik Herring to the practice squad while simultaneously terminating the contract of wide receiver Jimmy Holiday, according to KSHB 41 beat reporter Nick Jacobs. Holiday, a 6-foot-1 pass-catcher who turned heads during training camp, had been with the organization since the preseason and had shown flashes of potential as both a receiver and a returner.

Jimmy Holiday: A Preseason Standout

Holiday’s journey to Kansas City in 2025 was anything but conventional. The rookie out of Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky — having transferred twice in his collegiate career — impressed Chiefs coaches enough during training camp to earn a spot on the practice squad.

During the preseason, Holiday showcased his big-play ability:

• Receptions: 3 of 4 targets

• Receiving yards: 60

• Longest catch: 50 yards

• Yards after catch: 12

• Kick returns: 2 for 56 total yards (28-yard average)

Holiday’s versatility wasn’t limited to offense; he had prior experience returning kickoffs in college, notably for Tennessee in 2021 and 2022, giving the Chiefs a dual-threat prospect capable of contributing on special teams.

In his final collegiate season at Louisiana Tech in 2024, Holiday put up solid production:

• Receptions: 39 of 65 targets

• Receiving yards: 476

For a player on the fringes of the NFL, Holiday’s preseason output, combined with his college resume, made him a training camp darling. However, with the trade deadline behind them, the Chiefs’ roster decisions reflected organizational priorities rather than individual potential.

Malik Herring Returns as Organizational Depth

Holiday’s release coincided with the re-signing of veteran defensive end Malik Herring. Herring, a four-year Georgia product, has been a familiar face in Kansas City since making his NFL debut in 2022.

• NFL experience: 28 regular season games, 4 postseason games

• Career stats: 1.5 sacks, 6 QB hits, 3 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass deflection

Though Herring has never posted eye-popping numbers at the NFL level, he’s a staff favorite due to his understanding of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system and his ability to contribute reliably in practice and rotational defensive snaps.

Herring was briefly waived from the 53-man roster to make room for nose tackle Mike Pennel, a move largely viewed as procedural. His return to the practice squad was widely anticipated, reflecting the Chiefs’ desire to maintain experienced depth behind the starters.

“Herring brings consistency and experience to the defensive line,” an NFL analyst noted. “He may not fill the stat sheet, but his value in practice and situational play is clear. That’s why Kansas City keeps him around.”

The NFL Roster Shuffle

Kansas City’s decision to release Holiday highlights a common reality for rookie players trying to stick in the league: talent alone does not guarantee a roster spot. Practice squads are designed to give young players time to develop, but organizational needs and positional priorities often dictate personnel changes.

In this case, Holiday’s roster spot was sacrificed to accommodate Herring’s return, signaling a focus on depth and experience over raw potential. Holiday’s tenure on the Chiefs practice squad lasted until November, suggesting that the front office valued him, but circumstances left no room for him to remain.

From College to the NFL: Holiday’s Journey

Holiday’s path to the NFL is emblematic of the modern football journey: transfers, development, and perseverance. After playing for Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and ultimately Louisiana Tech, he arrived in Kansas City as an undrafted rookie with a reputation for versatility and speed.

During his final collegiate season, Holiday averaged 12.2 yards per reception, demonstrating an ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch. His special teams contributions — averaging 28 yards per kickoff return in the preseason — added another layer to his value, making him a two-way threat for any NFL roster.

Despite these attributes, the NFL’s competitive nature is unforgiving. Even a preseason standout like Holiday must compete with veterans, drafted rookies, and other undrafted free agents for limited spots, a challenge that is heightened immediately following the trade deadline as teams finalize their rosters for the remainder of the season.

Holiday’s Next Move: A Fresh Opportunity

For now, Holiday is a free agent, but his story is far from over. Players with his versatility and athletic profile often find second chances, especially with injuries or roster shuffling across the league.

In fact, the same week saw another Chiefs practice squad wideout, Mac Dalena, land with the Seattle Seahawks. Dalena, an undrafted rookie, had a similar trajectory to Holiday — training camp standout, practice squad member, and now finding a new opportunity post-trade deadline.

For Holiday, a similar move could be imminent. With several teams facing injuries or depth issues at wide receiver, his combination of size, speed, and return ability could quickly make him a sought-after midseason addition.

Roster Moves Reflect Chiefs’ Strategy

Holiday’s release and Herring’s re-signing also reflect broader organizational strategy:

1. Maintain defensive depth: Herring’s familiarity with the system ensures stability on the practice squad.

2. Optimize roster flexibility: By moving Holiday, the Chiefs create space to navigate injuries or future acquisitions.

3. Focus on immediate contributions: The team is prioritizing players who can step in immediately if needed, a common post-trade deadline consideration.

While fans may lament the departure of a young prospect like Holiday, such moves are part of the NFL’s constant ebb and flow, where potential and opportunity must align with team needs.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs’ post-trade deadline roster maneuvers underscore the fluidity and competitiveness of the NFL. Jimmy Holiday, a rookie with promise as both a receiver and returner, has been released from the practice squad to make way for Malik Herring, a veteran defensive lineman and staff favorite.

Holiday’s preseason flashes — including a 50-yard reception and consistent contributions in special teams — hint at his potential to succeed elsewhere. With the league littered with opportunities for versatile wideouts, a second chance could be just around the corner.

For the Chiefs, the moves reflect strategy over sentiment, prioritizing experience and depth in preparation for the midseason stretch. For Holiday, it’s a temporary setback on a journey that has already spanned multiple colleges and culminated in an NFL opportunity. The next stop for this Louisiana Tech product may well define the early trajectory of his professional career.

In the NFL, as in football at large, the story is never finished — and for Jimmy Holiday, the next chapter is still unwritten.

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