Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of NFL roster building, waiting for players to initiate contract talks is a luxury few championship-caliber teams can afford. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs is a deliberate strategy—one that has allowed them to retain core talent, sign high-impact free agents, and maintain the continuity that defines their success. Unlike teams that react to market trends or wait for agents to make demands, the Chiefs’ front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, takes a proactive approach: identifying players who fit their system and culture, initiating conversations early, and crafting deals that balance the team’s salary cap needs with the player’s value. This outreach isn’t just about signing names—it’s about building partnerships, ensuring players feel valued, and aligning everyone around the goal of winning Super Bowls. Over the past five years, this strategy has paid dividends: the Chiefs have retained stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, added key role players like DeAndre Hopkins, and avoided the costly free agent bidding wars that derail other franchises. For the Chiefs, reaching out first isn’t just a tactic—it’s a philosophy that keeps them ahead of the curve.

Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs starts with a rigorous identification process, where the front office and coaching staff collaborate to pinpoint players who will thrive in their system. The Chiefs don’t chase “big-name” players simply for marketing appeal; they target those whose skills, work ethic, and personality align with Andy Reid’s offensive scheme, Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive approach, and the team’s overall culture. For example, when scouting free agent wide receivers in 2024, the Chiefs didn’t just look at stats—they analyzed how players ran routes, how they adapted to different offensive systems, and how they interacted with teammates and coaches. This led them to reach out to DeAndre Hopkins first, even before he hit the open market. Veach and Reid met with Hopkins in his hometown of Clemson, South Carolina, to outline how he would fit alongside Mahomes and Kelce, share footage of how the Chiefs planned to use his strengths (like his ability to win jump balls and make contested catches), and discuss the team’s commitment to winning. “We don’t want players to wonder if they’ll fit here,” Veach said. “We reach out early to show them exactly how they’ll contribute, and why Kansas City is the best place for their career.” Hopkins later cited this proactive outreach as a key reason he chose the Chiefs over other suitors: “They didn’t just offer me a contract—they offered me a role, a plan, and a chance to win. That’s what every player wants.” For the Chiefs, this targeted outreach ensures they sign players who are invested in the team’s success, not just their own stats.

A critical part of Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs is the team’s focus on extending core players before they hit free agency—a move that saves cap space and avoids uncertainty. The Chiefs prioritize reaching out to foundational players two to three years before their contracts expire, giving both sides plenty of time to negotiate without the pressure of a looming deadline. This approach was on full display with offensive lineman Creed Humphrey, a rising star who was set to become a free agent in 2025. The Chiefs reached out to Humphrey’s agent in early 2024, months before other teams could start courting him, to discuss a long-term extension. The talks focused on Humphrey’s value to the offense (he’s allowed just two sacks in three seasons) and his role in protecting Mahomes, with the Chiefs offering a five-year, \(98 million deal that made him one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL. By reaching out early, the Chiefs avoided a bidding war and locked in Humphrey at a rate that was fair for both sides—saving an estimated \)10 million compared to what he might have commanded on the open market. “Extending core players early is win-win,” said a Chiefs cap specialist. “It gives the player security, keeps our roster intact, and lets us plan our cap for the future. We never want to let a player we value get to free agency, because by then it’s often too late.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this proactive extension strategy has been key to their continuity: over the past five years, they’ve retained 85% of their Pro Bowl players who were eligible for extensions, a rate that leads the NFL. This continuity has allowed the Chiefs to refine their schemes year after year, rather than rebuilding around new talent.

Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs also relies heavily on relationship-building—both with players and their agents—to create trust and ensure smooth negotiations. The Chiefs’ front office makes a point to stay in touch with players throughout their contracts, not just when it’s time to negotiate. Veach and Reid regularly meet with players one-on-one to discuss their goals, their families, and their life beyond football, fostering a connection that goes beyond the field. When reaching out to players for deals, this trust pays off: negotiations are often faster, more transparent, and less contentious than with teams that only engage with players during contract talks. For example, when the Chiefs reached out to defensive tackle Chris Jones to extend his contract in 2022, Jones later said he didn’t even consider other teams because of the relationship he’d built with Veach and Reid. “They know me, they know my family, and they know what’s important to me,” Jones said. “When they reached out with an offer, I knew it would be fair, and that they had the team’s best interests at heart. That’s hard to find in the NFL.” This relationship-driven approach also extends to agents, who often prioritize working with the Chiefs because of their reputation for honesty and efficiency. “The Chiefs don’t play games,” said one agent who has negotiated multiple deals with the team. “They reach out with a clear offer, they listen to our concerns, and they work with us to find a solution. It’s why so many players want to sign there.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, these relationships aren’t just a nicety—they’re a competitive advantage, allowing them to sign and retain top talent even when they aren’t the highest bidder.

Another important aspect of Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs is the team’s willingness to be flexible with contract structures, ensuring deals work for both the player and the cap. The Chiefs don’t rely on one-size-fits-all contracts; instead, they tailor each deal to the player’s needs (whether that’s guaranteed money, performance bonuses, or flexible payment schedules) and the team’s long-term cap goals. For example, when reaching out to veteran tight end Noah Gray to extend his contract in 2024, the Chiefs offered a three-year deal with a lower base salary but higher performance bonuses tied to catches and red-zone targets. This structure gave Gray the chance to earn more if he played well, while also freeing up cap space for the Chiefs to sign other players. Similarly, when signing free agent defensive end Charles Omenihu, the Chiefs included a “prove-it” clause that would increase his salary in 2025 if he met sack and tackle thresholds—rewarding him for production while limiting the team’s risk. “Flexibility is key in today’s NFL,” Veach said. “We reach out to players with deals that are fair to them, but also allow us to keep building a championship roster. It’s not about paying the least—it’s about paying smart.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this flexibility has allowed them to sign impact players without sacrificing their cap health: they currently rank 12th in the NFL in cap space for 2025, despite having one of the league’s most talented rosters. This financial stability ensures they can continue to reach out to players for deals in the future, keeping their window of contention open.

Looking ahead, Reached Out to Players for Deals by the Kansas City Chiefs will remain a cornerstone of the team’s strategy as they chase more Super Bowl titles. The Chiefs have already identified key players to target in upcoming talks, including wide receiver Kadarius Toney and safety Bryan Cook—young talents who have shown promise and fit the team’s culture. They’re also planning to reach out to potential free agents early in the 2025 offseason, focusing on players who can fill specific needs (like a backup quarterback and additional defensive depth) without breaking the cap. For the Chiefs, this proactive approach isn’t just about winning now—it’s about building a sustainable dynasty. “We want to be a team that players choose, year after year,” Reid said. “By reaching out first, showing them our plan, and treating them with respect, we’re building a reputation as the best place to play in the NFL. That’s how you win for a long time.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, reaching out to players for deals is more than a roster-building tactic—it’s a reflection of their values: respect, planning, and a commitment to winning together. As long as they continue to prioritize these values, they’ll keep signing the players who make them a force to be reckoned with, and keep Chiefs Kingdom celebrating for years to come.