Chiefs’ Free Agency Shake-Up: Who’s Staying, Who’s Going, and the Big Surprise Moves Ahead!

The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for another pivotal offseason, with several key players set to hit free agency. Despite another successful Super Bowl appearance, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach faces a critical challenge—deciding which of their key contributors will return and which ones will move on as the team looks to strengthen its roster for 2025.

This year’s free-agent class includes a mix of veterans looking for long-term deals and younger players hoping to prove their worth. The Chiefs have already made their first big move by placing the franchise tag on offensive lineman Trey Smith, ensuring that their prized free agent won’t be leaving anytime soon. However, the decisions don’t stop there. The Chiefs are expected to see significant turnover in several key positions, from the defensive line to wide receiver, as they retool for the future.

Quarterback: Will They Stick With Carson Wentz?

While Patrick Mahomes remains the cornerstone of the Chiefs’ success, the team’s backup quarterback situation is in flux. Carson Wentz, a 32-year-old veteran, is currently a free agent. After spending several seasons as a backup to Mahomes, Wentz could be in demand from teams looking for an experienced signal-caller. Will the Chiefs bring him back, or will they look to the draft to find a younger backup?

Running Backs: The Need for Youth

At running back, the Chiefs may be looking to get younger in 2025. Veteran options like Kareem Hunt (30) and Samaje Perine (30) are set to hit the open market. While both were decent additions to the Chiefs’ backfield last season, their futures in Kansas City are uncertain. The Chiefs’ lack of stability in the running back room means we could see one or both of these players return on team-friendly deals, but a youth movement seems likely in the coming seasons.

Wide Receivers: Big Changes Ahead?

The Chiefs are poised to see some major changes in their wide receiver room. Marquise Brown (32), Mecole Hardman (27), DeAndre Hopkins (33), JuJu Smith-Schuster (28), and Justin Watson (30) are all free agents, signaling a potential shake-up at the position. With the offense at times appearing slow and predictable in 2024, the Chiefs may opt to retain one or two veterans, but all eyes are on the younger talent. Expect the Chiefs to prioritize players like Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, as they look to infuse new life into their receiving corps through the draft.

Tight Ends: Not Much Movement Here

At tight end, the Chiefs are in a more stable position. Travis Kelce will return for at least one more season, and the Chiefs are likely to retain the depth pieces already in place. Expect Peyton Hendershot, who was acquired last season, to return as a restricted free agent, rounding out the depth behind Kelce. With Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wiley all expected to stay, this is a position of relative certainty.

Offensive Line: Reinvention in the Trenches

The Chiefs have a lot of key pieces returning to the offensive line, but they will still need to make some adjustments. D.J. Humphries (31) is the only notable unrestricted free agent, and while his future with the team is uncertain, the Chiefs could bring him back to provide depth. Mike Caliendo (27) is another player expected to return, likely on a cheap, team-friendly deal.

Defensive Line: A Potential Sea Change

The defensive line is another area where change could be significant. Malik Herring (27), Derrick Nnadi (29), Charles Omenihu (28), and others are set to hit free agency, with Omenihu being a particularly intriguing player to watch. Despite some departures in the past, the Chiefs have consistently brought back familiar faces in the trenches, and a similar approach is likely here. Nnadi, Wharton, and Pennel could all be brought back, but the future of Omenihu remains a question mark.

Linebackers: Will Bolton Stay?

One of the most significant free-agent questions for the Chiefs surrounds linebacker Nick Bolton (25). A key part of the defense, Bolton is a player the Chiefs would love to keep around, but his price tag could become prohibitive. If the Chiefs can strike a deal with him, expect him to remain as the centerpiece of their defense. Otherwise, the team will need to look for a replacement to fill his role as the defensive leader.

Defensive Backs: A Key Position to Watch

The secondary also faces potential changes, with safety Justin Reid (28) and cornerback Keith Taylor (26) both set to hit free agency. Reid’s future in Kansas City is tied to that of Bolton, as losing both would mean significant turnover in the defense. While Reid is still young and could remain a valuable asset for the Chiefs, the team may look to invest in youth at the position, especially given their track record of trusting younger safeties.

Specialists: No Big Surprises Expected

As for specialists, the Chiefs don’t have much in terms of free agents to worry about. Matt Araiza (25) and Spencer Shrader (26) are both expected to return as exclusive-rights free agents, while long snapper James Winchester (36) will likely return as well.

Looking Ahead

With free agency set to shake up the roster, the Chiefs’ front office faces one of its most challenging offseasons in recent memory. Key decisions about who stays and who goes will determine the team’s ability to make another Super Bowl run in 2025. Expect a mix of re-signings, new additions, and potentially surprising moves as the Chiefs navigate the complexities of free agency. The coming months will reveal who will return to Kansas City and who will be taking their talents elsewhere.