KK #35

Kevin Knowles

Cornerback · Florida State

An undrafted find out of Florida State, Knowles fought from the practice squad onto the Chiefs' active roster during his rookie year.

Kevin Knowles went undrafted in 2025 but stuck around Kansas City's building long enough to earn a promotion midseason. The former Florida State cornerback is still building his resume, but his path from tryout hopeful to active roster contributor is the kind of story the Chiefs like to develop.

★ Devaughn Darling Defensive Freshman of the Year, Florida State

★ 113 career tackles at Florida State

★ Promoted from practice squad to active roster as a rookie

Path to the league

Knowles came to Florida State as a four-star recruit in the 2021 class and started at nickelback for much of his true freshman year, earning the program's Devaughn Darling Defensive Freshman of the Year award. Over four seasons in Tallahassee, he appeared in 50 games and finished with 113 combined tackles, one interception and one sack. He went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with the Chiefs as a priority undrafted free agent.

Career highlights

Knowles's biggest achievement to date was breaking into Florida State's starting lineup as a true freshman, a rare feat at a Power Four program. His deal with Kansas City reportedly included $220,000 in total guarantees, an unusually strong number for an undrafted signee, reflecting the interest he generated around the league.

2025 season recap

Knowles was cut in Chiefs roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad, then earned a promotion to the active roster on October 21. He worked primarily on special teams before seeing an increased defensive role over Kansas City's final five games, finishing his rookie year with five tackles and a pass breakup in limited coverage snaps.