It feels way too early to be talking about the offseason in Kansas City, and while the Chiefs aren't mathematically eliminated, that adverb, “mathematically,” is about the only thing keeping them in the postseason discussion. For all intents and purposes, it is pretty clear that the book is closing on the 2025 season.
The Chiefs will have an exorbitant number of players entering free agency next spring. Many fourth-year players who entered the league as part of the storied draft class of 2022 will be looking for second contracts. Here are the biggest names who are most likely to be done in Kansas City after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season.
Isiah Pacheco, RB
The 2022 seventh-rounder did what he said he would do back in training camp his rookie year: “take a grown man’s job.” After he contributed two solid seasons as a reliable runner, Pacheco’s last two campaigns have been hampered by leg injuries. There’s a chance K.C. brings the Rutgers alum back if he doesn’t get an offer during the first wave of free agency, but it shouldn’t be as a starter. Pacheco is much more of an experienced change-of-pace back rather than a bell cow. There was a lot of smoke around the Chiefs’ efforts to trade for Breece Hall at the trade deadline, and Pacheco’s 12 carries in two games since his return from injury do not indicate the team’s willingness to view him as the starter any longer.
Travis Kelce, TE
The future Hall of Famer is already the most prolific postseason receiver in NFL history. That’s not just tight ends; that’s any pass catcher. His contract will expire in the spring, and the team will likely allow him to decide his own future. Kelce provided elite skill to a championship offense well into his 30s, but at age 36, his play has finally begun to deteriorate. The interesting and unique factor here is that Kelce has elevated to international superstar status. He has a budding future in whatever he does next, and if he decides he is just too competitive to hang it up in the wake of this 2025 season gone sour, his financial independence gives him the freedom to return to the Chiefs on a very team-friendly deal.
Jaylen Watson, CB
This is a player who may be departing for the best reason: he’s probably played himself out of a contract in Kansas City. This will likely depend most heavily on what the Chiefs decide to do with fellow fourth-year defensive back Trent McDuffie, but Watson will capitalize on the opportunity to make life-changing money next spring. If Brett Veach decides to tag and trade McDuffie, that could be contingent on the team’s desire to retain Watson, but he will have to bring the Brinks truck with him, because the former seventh-round pick is likely to go to the highest bidder.
Jawaan Taylor, OT
This one has been discussed ad nauseam, but Taylor probably had to transform into Willie Roaf in 2025 in order for the Chiefs to decide to bring him back for the last year of his four-year, $80 million contract. The Chiefs could pay him $27 million to come back in 2026, but with Jaylon Moore in the fold, it is an easy financial decision for KC to cut Taylor and save $20 million against their 2026 salary cap. They’re going to need that money elsewhere. Still just 28 years old, Taylor will get a decent contract somewhere else next spring. Whoever that team is, they’re going to get a respectable starting right tackle with a reputation for getting a ton of penalties.
Charles Omenihu, DL
There were high hopes for Omenihu to make contributions to the Chiefs’ pass rush opposite George Karlaftis, but the production just hasn’t been there in 2025. The former Texas Longhorn has played 423 defensive snaps in 2025 (that’s 55%) and has not tallied a sack since Week 6. That’s not going to cut it. The lanky, 6'5", 280-lb. Omenihu might get a look from another team looking to add a versatile pass rusher, but the lack of production indicates that his time as a Chief has run its course. One thing we know about Brett Veach: if a season is sunk by one specific position group, he will absolutely blow it up in one offseason. All signs point to that being the defensive line next spring.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
The savvy veteran has provided leadership and consistency for this group, but it will probably be a numbers game for Smith-Schuster. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are going to be the starters in 2026, and the Chiefs will probably look elsewhere for ancillary production. If I’m honest, I was surprised he was retained in 2025. The 29-year-old wideout has just 6 targets in the last 21 quarters of football. It’s time to get younger at the position and add someone who can contribute on offense and special teams.
Other big decisions for the Chiefs
- Hollywood Brown, wide receiver
- Leo Chenal, linebacker
- Bryan Cook, safety
- Kareem Hunt, running back
- Gardner Minshew, quarterback
- Tyquan Thornton, wide receiver