NFL teams go through varying levels of change and roster reconstruction each season. We know which players are set to have their contracts expire. We also know which names are likely to receive an extension or a franchise tag at some point. However, there are still situations where a team moves on from someone who is under contract for next year.
There are obvious cap casualties across the league that come with clear decisions. For the Kansas City Chiefs, there are a few names that could easily fall into that category this upcoming offseason. With a roster shakeup expected, Kansas City has holes to fill. The Chiefs also need to open up more salary cap space to facilitate necessary changes.
Because of the roster adjustments that are likely coming, some Chiefs players may be entering their final game with K.C. on Sunday, even if that change is not guaranteed. Here are three Chiefs who could surprisingly be playing their final game with Kansas City.
Drue Tranquill, linebacker
Drue Tranquill has been a solid addition to the Chiefs’ roster over the last three seasons. He says the right things and leads the team on and off the field. Tranquill provides an impact against the run while still offering range in pass coverage.
However, over the last several weeks, it has become easier to view Tranquill as a potential cap casualty after K.C.’s season took a turn for the worse. Nick Bolton is entrenched in the lineup and beloved by this Kansas City regime, making it unlikely he goes anywhere. The Chiefs also have a few younger linebackers they could begin to integrate more within their system.
Tranquill is signed for next season with a $5.24 million base salary and a $7.5 million cap hit. There is a potential out in his contract this offseason. Over The Cap shows that releasing Tranquill would give Kansas City $6 million in cap savings, while resulting in only $1.5 million in dead money. It is not far-fetched to imagine the Chiefs flipping him in a trade for a Day 3 draft pick to a team desperate for linebacker help.
Mike Danna, defensive end
Mike Danna has not been a major part of the picture in 2025. He has played just 41 percent of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps this season. The only time Danna logged a smaller share of snaps was during his rookie year in 2020 (38 percent).
He had solid production over the previous two seasons, but in 2025, the Chiefs have relied more on Ashton Gillotte to pair with George Karlaftis. Changes along the defensive line are also expected to continue into 2026.
Like Tranquill, Danna is under contract for one more season. The Chiefs have a potential out this offseason that could significantly help their salary cap situation. Over The Cap shows that releasing Danna would give Kansas City $9 million in cap savings, with $2.166 million in dead money. Given his usage this season, that decision could be an easy one.
Chamarri Conner, defensive back
Much has been made about Chamarri Conner’s usage. He has been forced into more slot and high-post snaps, rather than playing a more natural safety role over the top. The results have not been consistent, and Conner has been burned in the passing game too often.
As a former fourth-round pick in 2023, Conner has one year remaining on his rookie contract in 2026. The Chiefs have shown a willingness in recent years to move on quickly from younger players if things are not working. That makes it easier to envision Conner being phased out before next season.
Cutting Conner would not provide major salary cap relief, but it would still offer some savings. Kansas City would save a little over $1 million by releasing him, according to Over The Cap, while taking on just $187,842 in dead money.