The Chiefs now must quickly turn their attention to bolstering the roster for another deep run in the 2024-25 season. In addition to major names like Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed, there are over 20 free agents for the organization that Brett Veach must make decisions on.
With around only $23 million in projected cap space as it stands, it's likely some contracts will be restructured to free up some money, but Veach's task will not be easy.
As we enter the offseason, here's a quick guide for what Chiefs are free agents and which category they fall into, sorted by their average annual value thus far in their careers. Thus, the lower a player is on the list, the less money they've made so far on average.
Chiefs Unrestricted Free Agents:
DT Chris Jones
WR Mecole Hardman
S Mike Edwards
LB Drue Tranquill
LT Donovan Smith
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
P Tommy Townsend
G Nick Allegretti
DE Tershawn Wharton
LS James Winchester
LB Willie Gay Jr.
QB Blaine Gabbert
RB Jerick McKinnon
DT Derrick Nnadi
WR Richie James
TE Blake Bell
S Deon Bush
CB L'Jarius Sneed
DE Mike Danna
That's a lot of names and a lot of important contributors with not a lot of cap space to work with.
Unrestricted free agents are ones who have accrued at least four seasons of NFL service time and are free to negotiate and sign with any team in the league. It's notable that Sneed and Danna are so low on the list, because they've both made under $1 million in average annual value so far in their careers.
Sneed was perhaps the best cornerback in football while Danna compiled 6.5 sacks in an impressive campaign. It's understandable that both would be seeking their first big payday in the NFL, which makes it difficult to convince either to take a hometown discount.
Chiefs Restricted Free Agent:
T Prince Tega Wanogho
TE Jody Fortson
DE Malik Herring
Restricted free agents are players whose contracts have expired but they've only accrued three seasons of service time.
These players can also sign with any team, though the Chiefs can offer a qualifying tender that could result in draft compensation and/or the right of first refusal. Fortson is a fan-favorite who landed on the Injured Reserve list this year, while Herring and Tega Wanogho could be kept as depth pieces.
Chiefs Exclusive Restricted Free Agent:
LB Jack Cochrane
CB Nazeeh Johnson
G Mike Caliendo
An exclusive restricted free agent is a player who has less than three years of accrued service and is no longer under contract.
If the Chiefs choose to tender any of these players, the player will be assigned a one-year contract at the league minimum based on the number of seasons he has completed.
These players are not allowed to negotiate with other teams until Kansas City makes its decision on tenders.
Put everything together and the Chiefs have 25 total free agents, though three of those fall under the exclusive tag. It should be an interesting offseason as Veach and his front office staff make decisions and negotiate with these players.
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