Chiefs' 2025 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After Super Bowl 59 Loss
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially become a problem for the rest of the NFL. Though they've had a rotating supporting cast in recent years, they always seem to figure out how to win consistently.
Having head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes does make it easier to maintain a championship-caliber roster.
Kansas City's offense experienced its fair share of struggles early in the season. The Chiefs kept winning close games, though, and by the end, they found a rhythm. A 15-1 record allowed the Chiefs to rest their starters in the finale and essentially earn two weeks off.
A first-round bye and a win over the Houston Texans put Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game for the seventh straight season. In the conference title game, the Chiefs outlasted Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIX.
Kansas City didn't have enough to complete a historic three-peat, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in a 40-22 blowout in the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs' dynasty still isn't dead, but Reid and general manager Brett Veach have a lot of work ahead of them in the 2025 offseason to keep that window open.
Now that Kansas City's postseason run has ended, let's dive into the team's impending free agents, biggest offseason needs and potential targets.
Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents
LB Nick Bolton
WR Marquise Brown
WR Mecole Hardman
WR DeAndre Hopkins
OT D.J. Humphries
DT Derrick Nnati
DE Charles Omenihu
DT Mike Pennel
RB Samaje Perine
S Justin Reid
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
G Trey Smith
DT Marlon Tuipulotu
Edge Josh Uche
WR Justin Watson
QB Carson Wentz
DE Tershawn Wharton
LS James Winchester
Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
G Mike Caliendo
LB Jack Cochrane
DE Malik Herring
CB Nazeeh Johnson
Veach has done an admirable job of keeping Kansas City relevant. Maintaining a championship-caliber roster is a challenge in the salary-cap era, but the Chiefs have struck a good balance between retaining talent and filling in gaps.
That process required several in-season additions this year, with players like JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeAndre Hopkins, D.J. Humphries, Josh Uche and Kareem Hunt joining after training camp. While these players were valuable, retaining them probably won't be a priority.
Humphries may be the exception, depending on how the Chiefs feel about their left tackle position moving forward.
Kansas City is projected to have just $15.7 million in cap space available. Veach will likely look to create more cap flexibility—possibly with another restructuring of Mahomes' contract—but will likely focus on players like Trey Smith before turning to ancillary pieces.
Smith has established himself as one of the league's best interior linemen, and it'll be a surprise if the Chiefs allow him to hit the open market. He's a quality pass blocker and an integral part of Kansas City's inside running game. The franchise tag could be in play for Smith.
Nick Bolton has been a full-time starter pretty much since entering the league. He's a difference-making linebacker and another strong candidate for a long-term deal. Derrick Nnati, Charles Omenihu and Semaje Perine have been valuable contributors when healthy but won't torpedo the Chiefs if allowed to depart.
Carson Wentz replaced Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes' backup this season. Retaining him as a high-end backup would be sensible if it's financially feasible.
Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets
Because of Kansas City's cap situation and list of impending free agents, the Chiefs probably won't be major players in free agency. If they do splurge on a player during the early contact window, it'll likely be a left tackle.
The position was never settled by the competition between Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia. That led to the signing of Humphries, but Kansas City would undoubtedly prefer to have more certainty at the position in 2025.
Alaric Jackson and Ronnie Stanley are two free-agent tackles that should be on Kansas City's radar.
If Smith departs, he'll need to be replaced quickly. The Chiefs could look to draft his replacement but should consider veterans like Trevor Penning, Kevin Zeitler and Will Fries.
The Chiefs could use more depth at defensive tackle, cornerback and receiver too, though they probably won't have the financial flexibility to chase the biggest names. Wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, defensive tackle Teair Tart and cornerback Mike Hilton are among the potential budget free agents that would fit in Kansas City.
Don't be surprised if the Chiefs look to flesh out their pass-rushing rotation with a player like Chase Young or Malcolm Koonce.
It would be surprising to see Kansas City orchestrate a major trade during the offseason. The Chiefs have drafted well in recent years, and Veach will value draft capital at this point in the season. If he does make a trade in 2025, it'll likely come during the season, as was the case in 2024.
Of course, if the Miami Dolphins decide to make Tyreek Hill available, it's not too difficult to imagine a Chiefs reunion. His 2025 base salary will be just $10 million, and Kansas City hasn't exactly shied away from bringing back former players.
Draft Targets
The Chiefs are only projected to have six selections in the 2025 draft, but they have the resources to make some impactful additions early. Four of those picks will come in the first three rounds, as Kansas City is still owed the Tennessee Titans' third-rounder from the L'Jarius Sneed trade.
Kansas City could go in a number of directions on opening night, though throwing more ammunition at the left-tackle position might make the most sense. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department paired the Chiefs with Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons in its post-regular season mock draft.
"Simmons was dominant during the first part of the season and made it look easy in a way that is rare, especially in this offensive line class,' Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Given the wide-open race for the top tackle prospect, Simmons could be selected higher. Or, the rich could get even richer if Kansas City lands him here."
Other prospects Kansas City might consider in Round 1 include Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori and Georgia edge-rusher Mykel Williams.
If the Chiefs can't or don't land a tackle like Simmons on opening night, Aireontae Ersery of Minnesota could become a top target on Day 2. Other prospects Kansas City will likely consider on Day 2 include Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant, Oregon receiver Tez Johnson, Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker, Ohio State edge-rusher Jack Sawyer, Williams & Mary tackle Charles Grant and Utah linebacker Lander Barton.
Guard prospects like Georgia's Tate Ratledge and West Virginia's Wyatt Milum should interest the Chiefs early if they're unable to retain Smith in free agency.
*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon