KC Chiefs 2021 free agency overview: Predicting who will stay or leave

Chiefs free agents who are likely leaving

Le’Veon Bell, Running Back (UFA)

Despite the excitement generated by the signing of the veteran running back, Bell simply never really produced for Kansas City. It seems almost certain the Chiefs opt for younger, cheaper talent in the running back room.

Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver (UFA)

Like Demarcus Robinson, it seemed a near certainly that Sammy Watkins would not be on the Chiefs roster for 2020. But, who would have predicted he’d take a 50% pay cut to stay? Would he do so again? Kansas City absolutely should not bring Watkins back at nearly $9 million per season; he’s simply too unreliable. That money is better spent on one of the slew of other veteran wide receivers available in free agency. (Kenny Golladay, anyone?)

Ricky Seals-Jones, Tight End (UFA)

It still baffles many why RSJ was on the active roster all season. The fourth year pro saw only one target this season and was barely on the field at all. Andy Reid clearly liked something about the tight end, but who on earth knows what it is/was. It is difficult to imagine RSJ returning after such limited usage in 2020.

Daniel Kilgore, Guard (UFA)

Kilgore was a nice midseason signing for Kansas City, and the former San Francisco 49er made four quality starts for the Chiefs during the year. Veach should be looking to upgrade the starters heading into 2021, which should push guards like Wylie to a reserve role, which should push players like Kilgore (and Wiz, see next) off the roster. That’s a lot of “should”, so we’ll see.

Stefen Wiskniewski, Guard (UFA)

See above. It all applies here, too.

Antonio Hamilton, Cornerback (UFA)

If the team doesn’t bring back Ward and/or Breeland, Hamilton’s odds to stay certainly increase. Like the offensive line, the Chiefs should be looking to improve the overall quality of the cornerback position. Unfortunately, Hamilton failed to make an impact in 2020 and was relegated primarily to special teams. With very little upside here, expect Kansas City to bring in someone younger with more room for growth for this roster spot.