What free agents can the Chiefs replace internally?
Breaking down the Chiefs’ cut candidates, free agents, in-house replacements, and how Kansas City can rebuild its roster before the draft.
It has been four years since the Chiefs’ season ended in January. Fans have become accustomed to a certain cadence to the offseason. It is not normal for the gap between the season ending and free agency to be so wide.
It’s tempting not start looking forward to free agency in the draft. And unfortunately, there is a lot more time to do it. From a roster construction perspective, the Chiefs will try to have a competent floor of a roster set before the draft so that they can maintain a best player available mentality with confidence and clarity.
They’ll have varying levels of answers to all the questions we have about their roster on the outside looking in. Some of those early offseason answers might already be on the roster.
As we start turning the page toward 2026, I looked at the cut candidates and free agents the Chiefs have this offseason, who in-house could be replacements, and the likelihood that the positions will be addressed in free agency and the draft.
Cut Candidates
Jawaan Taylor
The most logical and likely cut candidate for the Chiefs would be to save $20 million against the cap by releasing Taylor.
The in-house replacement: Jaylon Moore. The team was smart to ensure themselves along the offensive line before the draft by signing Moore to a two-year deal. Now they have the flexibility to move him over to the right tackle spot and have a complete starting offensive line ready to roll out in week one.
Chance of adding in free agency: Low. The Chiefs found cost-effective options to back up Moore and Josh Simmons with Esa Pole and Chu Godrick. It would be a surprise to see them add more.
Chance of adding in the draft: Low