Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the NFL regular season winds down and the playoff push intensifies, the Kansas City Chiefs are already looking ahead to the offseason—a critical period that will shape their ability to remain Super Bowl contenders in 2026 and beyond. Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just about listing names; it’s about understanding the Chiefs’ strategic priorities: retaining key contributors, addressing roster gaps, and leveraging both free agency and the draft to build a team that can support Patrick Mahomes and compete for another Lombardi Trophy. With a mix of pending free agents, salary cap flexibility, and a first-round draft pick, the Chiefs face both opportunities and challenges as they plan for the future.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with assessing the team’s pending free agents—players whose contracts expire in March and could depart if not re-signed. The most pressing name is defensive tackle Chris Jones, a franchise cornerstone who has led the Chiefs in sacks for three consecutive seasons. Jones, who turned 31 in 2025, is seeking a long-term extension that reflects his status as one of the NFL’s top interior pass-rushers, and the Chiefs have made it clear he’s a priority. “Chris is irreplaceable,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a recent interview. “He’s the heart of our defense, and we’re committed to keeping him in Kansas City.” Beyond Jones, the Chiefs have other key free agents to evaluate: wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (a deep-threat option who complements Tyreek Hill Jr.), linebacker Nick Bolton (a run-stopping specialist with 120+ tackles in 2025), and safety Mike Edwards (a rotational player who stepped up in Juan Thornhill’s absence). Retaining these players will require careful salary cap management—especially since the Chiefs also need to allocate funds for future extensions for young stars like cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs also means identifying the roster’s most critical gaps—positions where the Chiefs need to add talent, either through free agency or the draft. Defensive depth tops the list: while Jones anchors the line, the Chiefs lack a reliable backup at defensive tackle, and their edge rushers (outside of George Karlaftis) have struggled to generate consistent pressure. The secondary, too, has room for improvement: Thornhill’s return will help, but the Chiefs need a younger cornerback to pair with McDuffie and replace the aging L’Jarius Sneed (who is also a pending free agent). On offense, the offensive line is a priority: right tackle Jawaan Taylor has been solid, but left tackle Donovan Smith is 33 and showing signs of decline, and the Chiefs could use a versatile guard to replace the injury-prone Joe Thuney. At tight end, Travis Kelce’s eventual retirement (though not imminent) looms, so the Chiefs need to draft or sign a young tight end to develop as his heir apparent. These gaps will guide both the Chiefs’ free agency spending and their draft strategy.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs requires understanding the team’s salary cap situation—a key factor in how aggressively they can pursue free agents. As of early 2026, the Chiefs are projected to have approximately $45 million in cap space, a figure that could grow if they restructure contracts (like Mahomes’ or Kelce’s) to free up funds. This flexibility allows them to be aggressive in retaining Jones and Bolton while also targeting one or two impact free agents. For example, if the Chiefs lose Sneed to free agency, they could pursue a proven cornerback like Jaylon Johnson (of the Chicago Bears) or Stephon Gilmore (if he tests the market). On the defensive line, they might target a rotational tackle like D.J. Reader (of the Cincinnati Bengals) to back up Jones. However, the Chiefs have historically been cautious with big-money free agent signings, preferring to build through the draft and retain their own players—a philosophy that has served them well in maintaining long-term contention. The Kansas City Chiefs’ cap strategy will balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability, ensuring they don’t sacrifice future flexibility for immediate gains.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs shifts focus to the NFL Draft, where the Chiefs hold the 22nd overall pick in the first round (based on their projected regular-season finish). With their top needs centered on defense and offensive line, the Chiefs are likely to target a player who can contribute immediately. If they address the offensive line early, a left tackle like Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. (a athletic, technically sound prospect) or Alabama’s JC Latham (a physical run-blocker) could be in play. On defense, a pass-rushing edge rusher like Florida State’s Jared Verse (who recorded 11 sacks in 2025) or a cornerback like Michigan’s Will Johnson (a shutdown corner with great ball skills) would fill critical gaps. Later in the draft, the Chiefs can focus on depth: a tight end in the third or fourth round (like Georgia’s Brock Bowers, if he falls) to develop behind Kelce, or a linebacker to add competition to the rotation. The Kansas City Chiefs’ draft strategy will prioritize “football IQ” and versatility—players who can adapt to Andy Reid’s offense and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and who fit the team’s culture of hard work and accountability.

Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs ultimately ties back to one goal: keeping Patrick Mahomes in a position to win. Mahomes, who signed a 10-year extension in 2020, is entering his prime, and the Chiefs’ offseason moves must ensure he has the support he needs—both on offense (a strong line, reliable receivers, a young tight end) and defense (a unit that can stop opponents and get the ball back to the offense). Whether it’s re-signing Jones to anchor the defense, drafting a left tackle to protect Mahomes’ blindside, or adding a playmaker to the secondary, every move will be evaluated through the lens of winning now and winning later. “Our job is to build a team that Patrick can lead to championships,” Veach said. “That means making tough choices in free agency, drafting smart, and keeping the core of this team together.” For Chiefs fans, the offseason is a time of anticipation—waiting to see if their favorite players are retained, which prospects the team selects, and how the roster will shape up for another run at the Super Bowl. In the end, Preview Free Agency and Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs is a reminder of the team’s commitment to excellence—a commitment that has made them one of the NFL’s most consistent winners over the past decade.