The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for another offseason where key decisions will need to be made about their roster. With several players set to hit free agency, the Chiefs face tough calls on which players to retain and which ones to let walk. Let’s break down the unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, and exclusive rights free agents for the Chiefs, and predict who stays and who leaves.
Unrestricted Free Agents (20)
The Chiefs have a significant list of unrestricted free agents heading into the 2025 offseason. These are players who are free to sign with any team, but Kansas City will be looking at a mix of important contributors, veterans, and some intriguing options for the future.
Offense:
- Carson Wentz (QB)
- Kareem Hunt (RB)
- Samaje Perine (RB)
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR)
- Marquise Brown (WR)
- Justin Watson (WR)
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR)
- Mecole Hardman (WR)
- Jody Fortson (TE)
- D.J. Humphries (LT)
- Trey Smith (RG)
The Chiefs’ offensive free agents list includes a mixture of high-profile names and depth pieces. Carson Wentz, while experienced, is likely on his way out as team opts for a more viable option to be the backup behind Patrick Mahomes.
Running backs Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine could provide depth, but as undervalued as the running back position is, the Chiefs may look to retool their backfield with cheaper, younger talent to pair along with Isiah Pacheco. Unless Hunt and/or Perine provide a significant discount, they probably won’t be back in Kansas City.
Wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman will all be factors in the Chiefs’ plans. Although the team doesn’t have a wealth of receiving talent past Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, Hopkins and Brown are certainly tempting options due to their veteran presence and high ceilings. However, the Chiefs won’t retain all of them. The team may prioritize re-signing one, with Smith-Schuster and Hardman as more realistic candidates for a return due to the likelihood of agreeing to a cheaper contract.
Trey Smith, on the other hand, is a key offensive lineman who the Chiefs will likely try to extend to solidify their offensive line if the price is right. If not, then expect Kansas City to seek a different at right guard. D.J. Humphries could also return as a depth piece that could compete for a starting job in the summer.
Defense:
- Charles Omenihu (DE)
- Joshua Uche (DE)
- Tershawn Wharton (DT)
- Derrick Nnadi (DT)
- Mike Pennel (DT)
- Marlon Tuipulotu (DT)
- Nick Bolton (LB)
- Justin Reid (S)
The defensive side of the ball brings more difficult decisions for Kansas City. The Chiefs will need to decide if defensive ends Charles Omenihu and Joshua Uche are worth bringing back on new deals. Omenihu played just 17 games in two seasons with Kansas City and missed to first three quarters on the 2024 season. Uche appeared in just six games for the Chiefs since being from New England in the middle of the season and was mostly a non-factor.
At defensive tackle, Kansas City will need to decide the fates Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton and Mike Pennel. All three players have accempted cheap one-year deals from the Chiefs in the past and they could realistically do it again this spring. However, it would be surprising if they sign elsewhere, especially if the Chiefs look to develop younger talent on the d-line.
Nick Bolton is an essential piece for the Chiefs’ linebacker corps and should be one of their top priorities for an extension. Justin Reid has been solid as a leader in the secondary, but could have a similar fate as Tyrann Mathieu did three offseasons ago.
Special Teams:
- James Winchester (LS)
Long-snapper James Winchester has been a reliable part of the Chiefs’ special teams unit, and will be someone that signs another one-year deal to remain in Kansas City.
Prediction
Chiefs Re-sign:
- Justin Watson (WR) – Of all the depth pieces at wide receiver, Watson has been the most consistent. He’s no burner, but when the Chiefs need a crucial first down to sustain a drive, Watson has been on tbe recieving end. Plus, it shouldn’t cost much to bring him back. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return on another one-year deal.
- D.J. Humphries (LT) – Humphries has already said publicly that he’d love an opportunity to compete for a starting tackle job with a full offseason and training camp. If the two sides can agree on the numbers, expect the veteran tackle to be at St. Joe this summer.
- Derrick Nnadi (DT) – Nnadi was a free agent last season before agreeing to a one-year contract. History repeats itself again as the Florida State alum signs another short-term contract to remain on Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive line.
- Tershawn Wharton (DT) – Wharton is arguably an underrated contributor in Kansas City’s defense. It wouldn’t be surprising if Turk agrees to a new contract with the Chiefs.
- Mike Pennel (DT) – The veteran run-stuffer was a journeyman until the Chiefs found him. Look for Pennel to return on a cheap league minimum deal.
- Nick Bolton (LB) – Bolton’s status as a core defensive player means the Chiefs will likely extend him to keep him in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.
- James Winchester (LS) – As the long snapper, Winchester will likely remain in Kansas City for the continuity of the special teams unit.
Let Walk:
- Carson Wentz (QB) – Although he played with other back-up players, Wentz’s single start with the Chiefs was arguably the worst of any back-up QB of the Reid-era. Whether he actually finds another or not, expect the Chiefs to improve at quarterback behind Mahomes. Wentz won’t be re-signed.
- Kareem Hunt (RB) – Hunt’s reunion with Kansas City was fun to watch, but I don’t expect him to be in the club’s plans as Veach likely looks to get younger in the backfield.
- Samaje Perine (RB) – Perine may also be let go for the same reasons as Hunt. Although he was most effective as a passing option of the backfield on third down, I expect the Chiefs to get young at running back rather than pay a veteran player.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR) – Although a dynamic receiver, Hopkins’ age, and potential salary demands may lead the Chiefs to pass on re-signing him.
- Marquise Brown (WR) – Brown is another veteran who could be on his way out. The veteran is expected to generate plenty of interest on the open market and will likely be out of Kansas City’s price range.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR) – Although his familiarity with Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offensive system makes for a good reason for JuJu to return to Kansas City, I don’t expect Smith-Schuster to return. Especially after a lackluster second stint with the Chiefs.
- Mecole Hardman (WR) – Hardman seemed to be on his way in pady seasons but the Chiefs kept bringing him back on season-long deals. This time could be different. As Hardman goes into 2025 coming off an injury, the Chiefs may opt for a younger and more consistent option at wide receiver.
- Jody Fortson (TE) – Jody Fortson has always been a promising prospect for Kansas City, but injury continue to hold him back and delay his development. With Kelce contemplating retirement, Kansas City will explore other options at tight end. Fortson will not be back.
- Trey Smith (RG) – Smith is a key piece of the offensive line and has been an anchor at right guard. He will be a tough decision the Chiefs have to make, but if the number to keep Smith around is around $20 million per year, he’ll probably be playing for someone else.
- Charles Omenihu (DE) – Kansas City hoped Omenihu would generate a consistent pass rush when he signed two years ago. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old was either injured or coming back from injury during those two seasons, playing just 17 games. It would make sense that the Chiefs look elsewhere for another pass rusher.
- Joshua Uche (DE) – Uche played just six games since being traded to Kansas City from New England. Unless the Chiefs view him as a nice depth piece (they might), he won’t be back into KC.
- Marlon Tuipulotu (DT) – Tuipulotu might also return if the Chiefs want veteran depth. But after spending his time on the practice squad and only appeared in three games, Tuipulotu can easily be replaced with an undrafted free agent at the very least.
- Justin Reid (S) – Reid’s versatility and leadership make him an important player to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. However, the situation around him is very similar to former saftey Tyrann Mathieu, who Reid replaced. While bring Reid back would be huge, it’s more likely that he signs with another team and the bring in someone else via free agency or the draft.
Restricted Free Agents (5)
- Peyton Hendershot (TE)
- Malik Herring (DE)
- Jack Cochrane (LB)
- Keith Taylor (CB)
- Nazeeh Johnson (S)
All five of these players are expected to receive restricted free-agent tenders. Hendershot, Herring, Cochrane, Taylor, and Johnson provide important depth across the defense, and the Chiefs will likely want to secure their rights for another season.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (3)
- Mike Caliendo (LG)
- Spencer Shrader (K)
- Matt Araiza (P)
The Chiefs are expected to re-sign Mike Caliendo and Matt Araiza, who provide valuable depth on the offensive line and special teams. Spencer Shrader, however, is likely to be let go, with the Chiefs possibly looking to bring in a new kicker in the offseason to share the kicking snaps with Harrison Butker in training camp.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs have some tough decisions ahead in the 2025 offseason. While the team will likely make every effort to retain key contributors like Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, and Justin Reid, there are several players who may be allowed to walk in search of other opportunities. With the cap situation always in flux, the Chiefs’ ability to make smart, strategic moves will be crucial in maintaining their Super Bowl window. Expect a busy offseason as Kansas City navigates free agency while keeping one eye on the future.
