Recapping the Chiefs' first wave of free agency

Chiefs proved active in adding to the roster

The NFL’s first wave of free agency is in the rear-view mirror

And the Chiefs made multiple moves to shore up the roster with a variety of signings and re-signings.

Here’s a look back at the week that was.

CAPPING OFF THE WEEKEND

A familiar face returned to the Chiefs on Saturday.

The Chiefs brought back wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on a one-year deal, according to reports.

Smith-Schuster, who enters his ninth professional season, returns for his third stint with the Chiefs, all on one-year contracts.

He first joined the Chiefs in 2022 after five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in 2023. Smith-Schuster’s time with the Patriots lasted one season, though, and he rejoined the Chiefs in late August 2024.

Smith-Schuster’s best season with the Chiefs came in 2022 when he posted 933 yards and three touchdowns on 78 catches. He totaled 18 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns the past season.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Schuster, who turns 29 in November, has 448 career catches for 5,279 yards and 32 touchdowns. He’s topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark once in his career and it came during his second season with the Steelers when he posted 1,426 yards.

His signing represents veteran depth to the wide receiver corps. The Chiefs’ top three wideouts project as Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who also returned on a one-year deal during free agency.

SHORING UP THE D-LINE

The Chiefs lost defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi in free agency, and last season’s contributors Charles Omenihu and Mike Pennel are currently unrestricted free agents.

While not exactly a splashy move, the Chiefs on Friday addressed the position group by signing Jerry Tillery to a reported one-year deal.

Tillery, 28, joins his fourth team since entering the league in 2019 as a first-round pick with the Los Angeles Chargers. At 6-foot-6, 295 pounds, Tillery provides flexibility to play inside and outside on the defensive line.

The signing, however, likely doesn’t signal the Chiefs are done addressing the defensive line.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach each pointed out during the recent NFL Scouting Combine the depth of available defensive players in the upcoming NFL Draft.

“Looks like the defense is fully loaded,” Reid said on Feb. 25. “Looks like a defensive-strong draft – not that there’s not going to be some great offensive guys – but it really looks like it’s strong on the defensive side.”

Veach, who addressed reporters after Reid, agreed.

“In general, I think it’s more of a defensive draft,” Veach said. “I think the talent is on the defensive line and the corners. I think it’s a solid linebacker crew.”

The Chiefs have depth at defensive end with George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, among others.

But there’s a need along the interior, especially when considering All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones turns 31 in July.

OTHER END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY

The start of the NFL’s new calendar year last Wednesday meant the agreements during the two-day open negotiations period with left tackle Jaylon Moore, cornerback Kristian Fulton and running back Elijah Mitchell were official.

The Chiefs also took care of a pair of restricted free agents – linebacker Jack Cochrane and defensive back Nazeeh Johnson – by extending right-of-first-refusal qualifying offers.

The Chiefs weren’t finished adding to the roster, however, and last Thursday signed veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew to a reported one-year deal.

Minshew joins a list of veteran signal-callers in recent years to be Patrick Mahomes’ primary backup. The Chiefs previously had Carson Wentz (2024), Blaine Gabbert (2023), Chad Henne (2020-22) and Matt Moore (2019).

The Chiefs then re-signed running back Kareem Hunt on a reported one-year deal last Friday, shortly before Tillery.

Hunt returns for his third tour of duty in Kansas City after leading the Chiefs in rushing in 2024 with 728 yards.

HANDLING INTERNAL BUSINESS

The Chiefs looked inside before the start of NFL’s new calendar year by placing the franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith, who signed the tenders.

Starting middle linebacker Nick Bolton re-signed a three-year deal, while wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown returned on the previously mentioned one-year deal.

The Chiefs also re-signed long snapper James Winchester, linebacker Cole Christiansen and tight end Robert Tonyan.

Exclusive-rights free agents, guard Mike Caliendo and punter Matt Araiza, received qualifying tender offers.