Chiefs' free agency primer: What to watch as legal tampering begins

Kansas City enters the market with moderate cap space, several clear roster needs and a few key decisions still looming.

The NFL’s legal tampering period opens Monday at 11 a.m. CT, signaling the unofficial start of free agency. It may be unofficial, but that is just a formality at this point. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the coming days will be about reshaping a roster that finished 6-11 last season and now looks different after several early offseason moves.

General manager Brett Veach has already spent the past few weeks clearing cap space and repositioning the roster. With those moves complete, Kansas City now has the flexibility to begin adding pieces as the market opens.

Where the cap stands

After a series of cap-clearing moves, the Chiefs are projected to have roughly $24 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap. That figure ranks 15th in the NFL, placing Kansas City squarely in the middle of the league in spending power.

The Chiefs created that flexibility through several significant decisions. Kansas City traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, released veteran defensive end Mike Danna, and parted ways with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. The team also completed a major restructure of Patrick Mahomes’ contract, a move that opened substantial room under the salary cap.

Not all of that money will be available for free agents, however. After acquiring additional draft capital in the McDuffie trade, Kansas City now holds nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, meaning part of that cap space will be reserved for the incoming rookie class.

Additional ways to create cap space

If Kansas City wants additional financial flexibility, several avenues remain available.

Veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill carries roughly $6 million in potential savings if the Chiefs choose to move on. Tight end Noah Gray could create nearly $4 million in savings, while cornerback Kristian Fulton would account for about $5 million if released. Fulton being let go appears unlikely unless the Chiefs opt to bring back impending free agent Jaylen Watson on a multi-year deal.

Like the Mahomes situation, restructures could also provide additional relief. Contracts belonging to center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and linebacker Nick Bolton all present opportunities for restructuring if the Chiefs want to free up more immediate cap space.

Those options give Veach several levers to pull if Kansas City decides to pursue larger signings.

Travis Kelce

One of the most important pieces of unfinished business is the future of Travis Kelce.

Kelce is not currently on the books for 2026, though reports surfaced Sunday indicating he has a strong interest in returning for his 14th NFL season. Those same reports suggested his return to Kansas City is not guaranteed.

That outcome seems unlikely. Kelce finishing his career with the Chiefs makes too much sense for both sides, particularly considering the historic connection between Kelce and Mahomes.

The question may simply be how the contract is structured. The Chiefs traditionally avoid void years, and they are currently one of just eight teams in the NFL without any void years on their books. If Kansas City chooses to use them here, it could lower Kelce’s cap hit while still keeping his salary near the top tier of the tight end market.

Let’s break down the Chiefs’ free agency needs by tiers.

Tier one

Running back

Running back is widely viewed as one of the most pressing needs on the roster. It would not be surprising if Kansas City addresses the position early in the tampering window, possibly within minutes of the market opening.

All indications suggest the Chiefs could be involved at the top of the market. Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP, and Travis Etienne headline the class and would bring explosive ability to a run game that lacked big plays last season.

If those negotiations fall apart, the Chiefs could pivot to a second tier that includes Tyler Allgeier, Rico Dowdle, and Rachaad White. Adding a dynamic presence in the backfield would go a long way toward creating shorter third-down situations and more explosive rushing plays, two areas where Kansas City struggled in 2025.

Defensive end

Another clear priority is the pass rush, particularly on the edge.

The very top of the market, including Trey Hendrickson and Jaelen Phillips, may prove too expensive for Kansas City. Phillips has reportedly been seeking more than $20 million per year and also carries a notable injury history, and we all know Hendrickson has been waiting to get paid in line with his production.

A more realistic splash signing could be Odafe Oweh, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers after beginning his career with the Baltimore Ravens. Oweh, entering his sixth season, recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers, and projections from The Athletic suggest he could command roughly four years and $92 million on the open market. That figure is similar to the contract Veach gave George Karlaftis last offseason, and would offer him a running mate.

Other intriguing options include Boye Mafe and Kwity Paye, who previously played for the Seahawks and Colts, respectively.

If the Chiefs finish the first day of tampering with two players from the group of Walker, Etienne, Oweh, Mafe or Paye, it would significantly reshape the roster. My prediction is that the Chiefs will have agreements with Etienne and Mafe by the end of the day.

Defensive tackle

While edge rushers may draw the headlines, the interior defensive line may be just as significant a need.

Chris Jones will be 32 when the season begins, and reducing his snap count could help preserve his effectiveness. In recent seasons, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has often paired Jones with veterans Mike Pennel or Derrick Nnadi, but the room could benefit from an upgrade.

Free agents such as Logan Hall, Roy Lopez, and Tim Settle represent the type of players who could raise the floor of the position group. Interior defensive linemen also tend to come at a much lower price point than edge rushers, making this a practical area for Kansas City to improve.

Tier two

Wide receiver

Wide receiver is another position where Kansas City could add a body. Given the lack of development from Worthy and the unknown of Rashee Rice, I would deem this tier one in most offseasons. That said, this is a weak free agency class, so it may hinder the Chiefs in the long run if they overspend here.

Currently, Rice and Worthy are the only established contributors on the roster. While a major addition like Mike Evans would be intriguing, the Chiefs have several other needs, and Evans is unlikely to come cheaply.

Options include players such as Jauan Jennings, Romeo Doubs, Rashid Shaheed, and Kristian Kirk, but they may be overpaid. Veteran receivers Deebo Samuel, Keenan Allen, and Brandin Cooks are also available for one-year deals, more than likely.

Still, the most likely move may simply be bringing back Tyquan Thornton, which would place him in a larger role heading into the season.

Cornerback

This one shot up the ranks following the McDuffie trade.

As things stand today, Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams project as Kansas City’s starting outside corners. Given Fulton’s injury history, adding depth would make sense.

If the Chiefs want to pursue a bigger-name player, bringing back Jaylen Watson or signing Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen would be an absolute fit. Marshon Lattimore could fit into Spagnuolo’s scheme on a one-year deal as well.

The bigger priority, however, may be slot cornerback.

Roger McCreary, who finished last season with the Rams, could fill that role while allowing Chamarri Conner to move back to his natural position at safety.

Safety

At the moment, Conner and Jaden Hicks are the only notable safeties on the roster, depending on how the team ultimately classifies Chris Roland-Wallace.

The Chiefs could explore bringing back Bryan Cook, though his play last season may have increased his market value above the Chiefs’ threshold. Other options include Coby Bryant, Nick Cross and Geno Stone, all of whom could provide affordable depth.

Tier three

Tight end

Even if Kelce returns, the tight end position could still be addressed, especially if Kansas City opts to move on from Noah Gray.

The Chiefs could look for a blocking tight end to complement Kelce, with options including Charlie Kolar, Kade Otten or Foster Moreau.

If Kelce were not to return, the top of the market would include Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Chig Okonkwo, though that scenario would dramatically change Kansas City’s plans.

Quarterback

Kansas City will also need a quarterback to navigate offseason workouts while Mahomes works his way back from injury.

One familiar option is Gardner Minshew, who served as the Chiefs’ backup last season. Other veteran possibilities include Mitchell Trubisky, Marcus Mariota, and Russell Wilson.

Kirk Cousins is technically available as well, though he is widely expected to pursue a starting opportunity elsewhere.

Other potential needs

Depending on how free agency unfolds, Kansas City could also explore linebacker or offensive tackle depth during the second or third wave of signings.

Those additions would likely come at a lower cost once the initial spending wave settles.

Free agency will not fix every problem overnight, but it will offer the first glimpse into how Veach plans to reshape the roster. The Chiefs are loaded with three top 40 picks this year.

With moderate cap space, multiple roster needs, and several intriguing options across the market, Kansas City is positioned to be active, and possibly quickly, once the tampering period begins.