Kelvin Joseph, Shi Smith on Future Contracts for Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs turn their attention to offseason roster planning, two role players have emerged as key considerations for future contracts: cornerback Kelvin Joseph and wide receiver Shi Smith. Both players joined the Chiefs midseason in 2024, filling gaps created by injuries and quickly proving their value in limited roles. Now, with their short-term deals set to expire, the Chiefs face decisions on whether to retain them—and if so, what contract terms will align with their contributions and the team’s salary cap constraints. Kelvin Joseph, Shi Smith on Future Contracts for Kansas City Chiefs explores each player’s impact this season, the factors influencing their contract talks, how they fit into Kansas City’s long-term plans, and the potential outcomes of their negotiations. For the Chiefs, these decisions aren’t just about keeping depth pieces—they’re about balancing talent, cost, and roster flexibility as they aim to remain Super Bowl contenders.

Kelvin Joseph, Shi Smith on Future Contracts for Kansas City Chiefs begins with a look at their paths to Kansas City and their 2024 contributions. Joseph, a former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, signed with the Chiefs in October after being waived, stepping into a depleted secondary hit by injuries to L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie. In 10 games, he recorded 26 tackles, 3 pass deflections, and 1 interception, primarily playing nickel cornerback and special teams. His physical style and ability to handle press coverage made him a reliable fill-in, especially in key late-season matchups against the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals. Smith, meanwhile, joined the Chiefs in November after spending time with the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos, adding depth to a wide receiver corps dealing with injuries to Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney. Though he only caught 12 passes for 156 yards, Smith shined on special teams—averaging 24.3 yards per kickoff return and contributing to coverage units—and made clutch plays in practice that earned him trust from the coaching staff. “Both Kelvin and Shi came in and did exactly what we asked,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “They didn’t complain about limited snaps; they just worked hard and made plays when their number was called. That’s the kind of mindset we value.”

A critical factor in the Chiefs’ contract decisions for Joseph and Smith is their positional value and the team’s current roster needs. At cornerback, the Chiefs have long-term starters in Sneed and McDuffie, but depth remains a concern—especially after backup Joshua Williams struggled with consistency this season. Joseph’s ability to play both outside and slot cornerback makes him a valuable insurance policy, and his experience on special teams adds to his appeal. For wide receiver, the Chiefs are likely to retain starters like Moore and Toney, but Smith’s special teams versatility and ability to play slot receiver give him an edge over other depth options. However, both positions also have young talent in the pipeline: the Chiefs drafted cornerback Chamarri Conner in 2024 and have receiver Justyn Ross on a futures contract, which could impact Joseph and Smith’s leverage. “Positional depth is key in the NFL, but we also have to think about developing young players,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Kelvin and Shi have shown they can contribute, but we need to make sure any contract we offer fits with our plans to grow the roster from within.” This balance between proven depth and future talent will be central to negotiations.

Kelvin Joseph, Shi Smith on Future Contracts for Kansas City Chiefs also delves into the financial context of these deals, as the Chiefs face salary cap constraints in 2025. With Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones accounting for a large portion of the cap, Kansas City will need to be strategic with lower-tier contracts. For Joseph, market comparisons suggest a one-year deal worth \(1.5–\)2 million, similar to what other mid-tier nickel corners like the Indianapolis Colts’ Kenny Moore II signed in 2024. Smith, meanwhile, could command a one-year deal in the \(1–\)1.2 million range, aligning with the compensation for special teams contributors with limited offensive snaps. The Chiefs may also consider adding incentives—such as playing time or performance bonuses—to reduce base salary and maintain cap flexibility. “We have to be smart with our cap space, especially with some big contracts coming up,” said Veach. “Incentives let us reward players for production while protecting ourselves if things don’t work out. It’s a win-win for both sides.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, these modest deals would allow them to retain valuable depth without sacrificing resources needed for key starters or future draft picks.

Another layer of these contract talks is the players’ own priorities—whether they seek more playing time elsewhere or value the stability of staying with a championship-contending team. Joseph, who struggled to find consistent snaps in Dallas, has spoken positively about his time in Kansas City, noting the opportunity to learn from veteran defensive backs coach Dave Merritt and play in a winning culture. “Being here has been a fresh start,” Joseph said in a recent interview. “The coaches trust me, and I get to play with some of the best players in the league. That’s something you don’t take for granted.” Smith, too, has expressed interest in returning, highlighting the Chiefs’ offensive system as a good fit for his speed and route-running. However, both players may also weigh offers from teams where they could compete for larger roles—especially if the Chiefs can only guarantee limited snaps. “We understand that players want to play,” Reid said. “We’ll be honest with Kelvin and Shi about their role here, and then it’s up to them to decide what’s best for their careers. We’d love to have both back, but we respect whatever choice they make.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, fostering this open communication will be key to avoiding hard feelings if negotiations don’t go as planned—and potentially laying the groundwork for future returns if the players test free agency.

Kelvin Joseph, Shi Smith on Future Contracts for Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with the potential outcomes and their impact on the Chiefs’ 2025 roster. The most likely scenario is that the Chiefs offer one-year “prove-it” deals to both players, allowing them to compete for larger roles while keeping costs low. If Joseph and Smith accept, they’ll provide valuable depth and special teams help, which could be critical in a long playoff run. If they decline to test free agency, the Chiefs have contingency plans in place—relying on young players like Conner and Ross or targeting other affordable veterans in free agency. “Our goal is to keep the core of this team intact while adding talent where we need it,” Veach said. “Kelvin and Shi are part of that conversation, but we have to make sure every move we make puts us in a position to win next year and beyond.” For the Kansas City Chiefs organization and fans, these contract decisions are a reminder of the quiet work that goes into building a championship roster—not just signing star players, but retaining reliable role players who can step up when needed. In the end, whether Joseph and Smith return or not, the Chiefs’ approach to their contracts will reflect their commitment to sustained success—balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.