The first day of legal tampering for NFL free agency was a frenzy, to be sure, and the Kansas City Chiefs were a big part of it. They struck early with the signing of offensive tackle Jaylon Moore away from the San Francisco 49ers. They stayed focused on the Bay Area with their second signing of running back Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal.
With the offense improved after making two signings, how will the Chiefs respond on Day 2? The losses of Justin Watson and Turk Wharton will take a toll on wide receiver and the defensive line, respectively.
Let's take a look at the three biggest questions facing the Chiefs as the second day of free agency gets underway.
1. Where will Justin Reid end up?
One of the biggest free-agent storylines for the Chiefs is the fate of Justin Reid. The veteran safety played a critical role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense over the past three seasons, giving the Chiefs a dependable leader to take over the mantle for Tyrann Mathieu. However, with a tight salary cap and other pressing needs, Brett Veach may not have the flexibility to keep him.
With Tre'von Moehrig, Cam Bynum, and Talanoa Hufanga off the market, Reid and Jevon Holland are the biggest prizes left at safety. Teams will be circling who lost out on those three, but the Chiefs are likely also paying attention to see if the market remains friendly to a potential return.
If the Chiefs are unable to bring Reid back, they'll turn to younger players such as Bryan Cook, Jaden HIcks, and Chamarri Conner to step up in his absence. Alternatively, they could explore a lower-cost veteran replacement or even target a safety in the draft.
2. Can the Chiefs find some interior help on defense?
While the Chiefs weren't expecting to retain Turk Wharton, seeing him officially leave for another team—a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers—was tough to stomach. That's because the Chiefs have basically nothing else next to Chris Jones inside at this stage.
Mike Pennel is a free agent. Derrick Nnadi is, too. Same with Marlon Tuipulotu. Beyond that, the Chiefs have Siaki Ika and Fabien Lovett Sr. Yeah, that's scary.
Someone like Jonathan Allen or Javon Hargrave would be nice, but it's hard to imagine the Chiefs outbidding anyone here. Expect them to bring back a vet from last season along with another minor signing on the free agent market before investing more heavily in the draft. Maybe Dalvin Tomlinson makes sense. Maliek Collins could help disrupt. Day two of free agency might tell us.
3. Can the Chiefs Retain Charles Omenihu?
Perhaps the biggest free-agency question for the Chiefs' defense is whether the team can retain Charles Omenihu. Despite missing the first six games of the 2023 season due to suspension, Omenihu was a force on the field in his first season in K.C. His impact in the passing game allowed Chris Jones more room to move, and his ability to rush from both the interior and edge made him a crucial chess piece for Spagnuolo’s schemes.
Even after returning from injury, Omenihu remained a force in the Chiefs' postseason run in 2024 with a strong penchant for making plays on the ball. The Chiefs would do well to bring him back and see what a completely healthy season might bring along the line. But the biggest question is just how high the price may go for a pass rusher on the market and whether Veach can make it work.