The Kansas City Chiefs made a big splash at the start of free agency when they signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker and announced that Travis Kelce would be coming back for one more season. While those big names will obviously have a big impact on the 2026 season, the Chiefs could use a couple of less flashy signings to provide some stability for the offense before the NFL draft kicks off. There are some cheap free agent options available to help the defense as well, but today, we'll look at some of the offensive options still available.
The Chiefs still have two positions on offense where they clearly need more depth: wide receiver and offensive tackle. The Chiefs' WR room has been underwhelming for a while, and the Chiefs can't feel good about going into next season with Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore as their only starting-caliber options at either tackle position. Simmons looked great as a rookie when he played, but missed a total of eight games due to a personal issue and a wrist injury, and Jaylon Moore has still never started more than six games in an NFL season.
So here are some veteran options at both wide receiver and offensive tackle that could provide KC's roster with some insurance in case they have injury issues or can't find a starting-caliber option in the NFL draft.
Veteran FA wide receivers that fit the Chiefs
If the Chiefs really wanted to make a splash, they could sign Jauan Jennings, who hasn't seen the free-agent market he was hoping for, but he would still likely be more expensive than what they would like to spend at this point. Tyreek Hill would be another big name, but because of his age and the injury he is recovering from, the Chiefs should play hardball with Hill if he wants to come back to KC. These three options would all be cheaper solutions that would provide Patrick Mahomes with a reliable veteran target.
Keenan Allen
The Chiefs have had a front-row seat to Keenan Allen's reliable hands and route running for years, as he's had a highly successful career with the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen will be 34 when the season kicks off, but he still played 17 games for the Chargers last season and caught 81 passes. He also lined up for over 400 snaps on the outside, where the Chiefs could use another proven contributor. He would be a huge upgrade over JuJu Smith-Schuster as a reliable route runner and pass catcher. His cap hit last season was just a little over $5 million, so he could come even cheaper this season.
DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins flashed some big plays last season but only had 22 receptions despite playing 17 games and over 300 offensive snaps. Over two-thirds of those snaps were still on the outside, and given his limited production last season, his price tag should be even lower than the $5 million he got last season from the Baltimore Ravens. He already knows the system and seemed to get along with everyone during his brief stop in KC previously. If he wants to sign a cheap deal to chase a ring with a contender, the Chiefs could make as much sense as any other team.
Tim Patrick
If the Chiefs really want to bargain shop for a proven veteran who could provide some stability at a near-veteran-minimum price, Tim Patrick might be a great option. Patrick has always been an underrated player, but now that he's 32 and coming off a quiet 15-reception season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he could probably be had for dirt cheap. He still has the size and hands to be a part-time player on the outside and in the red zone, and could still give the Chiefs an upgrade over JuJu Smith-Schuster at an even lower price.
Veteran FA offensive tackles that fit the Chiefs
Jawaan Taylor
Before any KC fans grab their torches and pitchforks, the only way this would make sense is if Jawaan Taylor hasn't received any offers for true starting tackle money and is willing to sign a one-year deal for less than $10 million. At that price tag, Taylor would offer them competition for Jaylon Moore to start at right tackle. Taylor is still a solid pass protector but bad against the run and has obvious penalty issues. The Chiefs could use the competition and depth, and Taylor would be worth it at a reasonable price—but not for anything north of $10 million.
Jonah Williams
While Jawaan Taylor might be looking for more than the Chiefs are willing to pay, and the next option on this list may be a little too big a risk, Jonah Williams might be the perfect middle ground. Williams was a solid but not spectacular signing for the Cincinnati Bengals during his rookie contract, but struggled to stay healthy after signing a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals. He only started 15 games total over the past two seasons, and his injuries caused his play to drop off some as well. Still, that starting experience would easily make him one of KC's top three tackles. His time in Arizona should have dropped his price tag, and if he's back to full health, he could absolutely challenge Jaylon Moore for the starting spot at right tackle.
Cam Robinson
Let's be honest: Cam Robinson hasn't been good for a while. However, he has the physical size and tools that KC tends to like for their offensive tackles, and Brett Veach isn't above a reclamation project. Robinson has experience starting at both left and right tackle and would be an Orlando Brown-type swing tackle option who could provide a veteran with starting experience on their bench. KC definitely shouldn't pay him starting money, but for under $5 million, he might be worth a flier.
So there you have it, Chiefs fans, six options that could provide the Chiefs offense with some depth and stability before they head into the NFL draft. Do you like any of these players for KC? Are there other free-agent wide receivers or offensive tackles still available that you think would be better? It will be interesting to see if Brett Veach can find any values out there in the coming weeks.