Predicting which free agents will re-sign with Kansas City Chiefs

DT Khalen Saunders

Prediction: Chiefs re-sign him

Cost to Retain: 1-2 year deal worth $4.5-$7.5/yr

Analysis: Khalen Saunders made some huge plays during the playoffs this season and showcased some of his freakish athleticism. The question will be: How much of a market will he have? If the Chiefs can re-sign him for somewhere around the $5 million range, it seems more likely that he spends a year or two more in a Chiefs uniform. If his price is higher, it might become more difficult. Saunders is a player that has a unique set of skills that the Chiefs could use going forward. It all comes down to how much the league believes he is worth.

S Juan Thornhill

Prediction: Chiefs let him walk

Cost to Retain: 1-3 year deal worth $3.5-$6 Million/yr

Analysis: Juan Thornhill has had a nice career in Kansas City. While he has never lived up to some of the draft hype that he received, he has consistently been a good role player that is rarely caught out of position. It is entirely possible that the Chiefs look to re-sign him to continue to play this role, but with the drafting of Bryan Cook in the second round of last year’s draft, it seems more likely that Thornhill might not be in the plan going forward.

S Deon Bush

Prediction: Chiefs re-sign him for depth

Cost to Retain: 1 year deal worth $1.1-$1.5 Million

Analysis: Deon Bush had a relatively quiet season in Kansas City, but he had a role to play. He did not give up big plays or become a liability when he was placed on defense in Nickel and Dime packages. He also had a role on special teams consistently throughout the year. While he is not a guy that is going to ‘wow’ you with what he does, he has a role that the Chiefs could use him for next season.