Free Agency Moves for the Chiefs
ERFA Tenders
iOL Mike Caliendo ($1.03M)
P Matt Araiza ($960K)
RFA Re-Signings
LB Jack Cochrane (1 year, $1.1M)
DL Malik Herring (1 year, $1.1M)
CB Nazeeh Johnson (1 year, $1.1M)
TE Peyton Hendershot (1 year, $1.1M)
CB Keith Taylor (1 year, $1.1M)
Smaller UFA Re-Signings
LS James Winchester (1 year, $1.3M)
RB Kareem Hunt (1 year, $1.6M)
QB Carson Wentz (1 year, $3.5M)
WR Justin Watson (1 year, $2.5M)
DT Marlon Tuipulotu (1 year, $1.2M)
DT Derrick Nnadi (1 year, $1.3M)
DT Mike Pennel (1 year, $1.4M)
Key UFA Re-Signings
RG Trey Smith (4 years, $88M, $50M in guarantees, $8M 2025 cap hit)
WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (1 year, $5M)
LT D.J. Humphries (1 year, $5M)
Among the Chiefs' key pending unrestricted free agents, Trey Smith is the biggest priority. Following the offensive line's Super Bowl struggles, losing him would only make the unit much, much worse.
As for Hollywood Brown, who missed most of the season due to injury after signing last year's "prove it" deal, another short-term contract makes sense. However, the Chiefs would need to secure additional receiver depth as insurance against potential injury concerns.
After joining the Chiefs in November, due to recovering from an ACL tear sustained at the end of the 2023 season, D.J. Humphries didn't have much of an opportunity to prove himself this past season. Due to the very limited sample size, he likely won't command a high price tag to re-sign. Given his proven track record of productivity with the Cardinals, and the benefit of a completely healthy offseason, Humphries could provide valuable depth and serve as insurance if the team is unable to land a left tackle in the draft.
Nick Bolton presents a more complex decision. I made the tough decision to let him walk. While he was integral to Steve Spagnuolo's defensive scheme, his performance this season was his weakest in the NFL, and the off-ball linebacker position has diminished value in today's NFL. Drue Tranquill is under contract for two more seasons and Leo Chenal has also been solid throughout his short NFL career.
I also decided to let Justin Reid walk. Similar to Tyrann Mathieu, he plays out his original 3-year deal and walks as a free agent. Jaden Hicks was great in his rookie season, the Chiefs can find productive safeties for a lesser cost in free agency, and the team has been very good at drafting defensive backs in recent years.
While Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Wharton could return, circumstances complicate both situations. Omenihu's performance following his ACL injury was not ideal, and Wharton's potential price tag could very well price himself out Kansas City.
UFA Signings (Outside the organization)
CB Jonathan Jones (1 year, $3.5M)
S Andre Cisco (3 years, $27M, $16M in guarantees, $5.5M 2025 cap hit)
DT Poona Ford (2 years, $9M, $4M in guarantees, $2.75M 2025 cap hit)
DT Levi Onwuzurike (3 years, $27M, $13M in guarantees, $5M 2025 cap hit)
EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence (2 years, $15M, $8M in guarantees, $4.75M 2025 cap hit)
LB Willie Gay (1 year, $3M)
WR Demarcus Robinson (1 year, $4M)
After locking down Trey Smith, who many NFL analysts view as one of the best free agents of the offseason, the Chiefs likely won't pursue a major free agent signing, but never say never.
The experienced Jonathan Jones, despite being undersized, has proven himself capable as an outside cornerback. Former nemesis Andre Cisco could effectively step in as Justin Reid's replacement. On the defensive line, both Ford and Onwuzurike, who excelled in 2024, offer valuable depth against both run and pass at potentially bargain rates.
DeMarcus Lawrence would be the high-risk, high-reward potential signing of this offseason. While he'll turn 33 in April and is recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury, he's proven himself as an elite three-down edge defender throughout his career. If the Chiefs could get the 2023 version of Lawrence, it would be a masterful move by Brett Veach. As Super Bowl LIX proved, having an elite defensive line is a priceless advantage.
If the Chiefs decide to let Nick Bolton walk in free agency, old friend Willie Gay could serve as an affordable replacement in the short-term. After a disappointing one-year stint with New Orleans, his market value should be relatively low, making him a potential bargain signing.
Despite Xavier Worthy's impressive postseason performance, the Chiefs still require additional depth at wide receiver. With Rashee Rice recovering from a major injury (plus looming suspension) and Hollywood Brown's recent durability issues, bringing back Demarcus Robinson makes sense as a depth signing. While he wouldn't be expected to produce at a high level, Robinson could provide reliable depth production and occasional deep-threat ability for the offense.
Remaining 2025 cap space: $7.119M