Chiefs Sign UDFA No-Name WR for Patrick Mahomes’ Next Weapon

Kansas City, MO – May 9, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs unearthed a hidden gem Tuesday, signing undrafted free agent wide receiver Elijhah Badger to a three-year, $2.85 million deal with a $25,000 signing bonus. The Florida standout could emerge as Patrick Mahomes’ next weapon after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss.

Badger, 24, racked up 806 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, showcasing a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. His crisp route-running and sure hands position him to complement Xavier Worthy’s speed. “Elijhah’s got star potential,” coach Andy Reid said, eyeing a breakout role.

The Chiefs, with $12.7 million in cap space, traded Marquise Brown and lost DeAndre Hopkins, leaving gaps behind Worthy and Rashee Rice, who faces a looming suspension. Badger’s 82.5% first-down rate outshines bust Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross, offering Mahomes a reliable target.

Kansas City’s draft—Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith—added depth, but Badger joins Royals and JuJu Smith-Schuster in a revamped receiver room. His punt return prowess boosts his roster odds, per draft analyst Ryan Fowler.

Chiefs Kingdom buzzes with intrigue. With two remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets secondary depth. Badger’s signing, a savvy bet on untapped talent, fuels 2025 Super Bowl dreams, promising Mahomes a new weapon to ignite the offense.