Kansas City’s rebuild is about to get real
Kansas City’s rebuild will be complicated because 28 players who were part of the Chiefs in 2024 have now become free agents.
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered an embarrassing defeat in Super Bowl LIX at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, the team’s focus shifts to rebuilding and setting its sights on returning to the Super Bowl, which will be held in San Francisco, California next year. Unfortunately, that rebuild will be anything but easy, as 28 players from the 2024 squad have become free agents.
Notable #Chiefs Free Agents
— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 10, 2025
G Trey Smith
LB Nick Bolton
S Justin Reid
DE Charles Omenihu
DE Tershawn Wharton
WR Marquise Brown
WR DeAndre Hopkins
WR Justin Watson
Extension Candidates
CB Trent McDuffie
OL Joe Thuney
DE George Karlaftis
Mahomes and the salary cap at Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes’ $66 million salary cap hit – equivalent to a quarter of the team’s total cap – will force the Chiefs to overhaul much of their receiving and running back corps. Wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, Marquise Brown, and Justin Watson have all reached the end of their contracts, as have running backs Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine.
Adding to the uncertainty, backup quarterback Carson Wentz is now free to explore his next opportunity after his deal with Kansas City expired. The offensive line has also taken a hit, with guard Trey Smith finishing his rookie contract while the team declined to exercise his fifth-year option.
On the defensive side, some of the most significant free agents include linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive linemen Charles Omenihu, Tershawn Wharton, and Derrick Nnadi, and safety Justin Reid.
Chiefs restricted free agents
One silver lining for the Chiefs is that eight players who reached the end of their contracts are restricted free agents. This means Kansas City has the right to retain them if another team attempts to sign them.
Among those who have completed three years in the league are cornerbacks Keith Taylor and Nazeeh Johnson, linebacker Jack Cochrane, defensive end Malik Herring, and tight end Peyton Hendershot. Additionally, three players earned early restricted free-agent designations: guard Mike Caliendo, punter Matt Araiza, and kicker Spencer Shrader.
Chiefs free agents after losing Super Bowl LIX
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Matt Araiza, P, 24 years old
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Nick Bolton, LB, 24 years old
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Marquise Brown, WR, 27 years old
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Mike Caliendo, G; 27 years
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Jack Cochrane, LB, 26 years old
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Jody Fortson, TE, 29 years old
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Mecole Hardman, WR 26 years old
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Peyton Hendershot, TE, 25 years old
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Malik Herring, DE, 27 years old
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DeAndre Hopkins, WR, 32 years old
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D.J. Humphries, LT, 31 years old
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Kareem Hunt, RB, 29 years old
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Nazeeh Johnson, CB, 26 years old
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Derrick Nnadi, DT, 28 years old
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Charles Omenihu, DE, 27 years old
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Mike Pennel, DT 33 years old
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Samaje Perine, RB, 29 years old
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Justin Reid, S, 27 years
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Spencer Shrader, K, 25 years old
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Trey Smith, G, 25 years old
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JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, 28 years old
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Keith Taylor, CB, 26 years old
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Marlon Tuipulotu, coach 25 years old
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Joshua Uche, LB, 26 years old
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Justin Watson, WR, 29 years old
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Carson Wentz, QB, 32 years old
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Tershawn Wharton DE, 26 years old
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James Winchester, LS, 35 years old
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