Similar to most of the previous years under general manager Brett Veach, the Kansas City Chiefs are not expected to be one of the NFL’s biggest spenders Wednesday when the free-agency period fully begins. Instead, much of the intrigue surrounding the Chiefs will be about whether they can retain the services of pass rusher Chris Jones, their best defensive player who is also the league’s best defensive tackle.
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Once the negotiations between the Chiefs and Jones conclude — a period that has lasted almost a year — Veach and coach Andy Reid will have to pivot to free agency, hoping to acquire a few quality veterans to ensure the team remains one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders.
Entering Sunday, the Chiefs have just $1,257,361 million in salary-cap space, according to Over the Cap, which ranks 26th in the league. But the Chiefs can create more space with a couple of moves. They can convert a sizable amount of the roster bonus in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract into a signing bonus. The same could be done with left guard Joe Thuney’s contract. And, of course, the Chiefs could trade cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was placed on the franchise tag last week, preventing him from reaching free agency and restricting him to a one-year salary of $19.8 million. If Sneed is traded to another team, the Chiefs would have an additional $19.8 million to spend elsewhere.
How will the Chiefs spend their money in free agency, and which veterans could they pursue? There are plenty of options. Let’s look at our annual “shopping list.”
Player rankings are from Randy Mueller’s top 150 free agents for The Athletic, which was updated late last week.
Wide receivers
No. 21 Darnell Mooney
No. 28 Josh Reynolds
No. 72 Curtis Samuel
No. 83 Marquise Brown
The best scenario for the Chiefs is replacing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was released last month, with a capable veteran and acquiring another talented receiver through the NFL Draft.
In terms of complete skill sets that fit the Chiefs, Mooney and Reynolds should receive plenty of attention from Veach and Reid. Mooney excelled with the Chicago Bears when Matt Nagy, the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, was Chicago’s coach. The Chiefs pursued Reynolds previously, and he was a contributing player for the Detroit Lions in their success in reaching the NFC Championship Game. If the Chiefs want speed, Brown is the best option for their likely price point.
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Samuel’s versatility could also be a fun option for Mahomes and Reid, who is known for moving his receivers around from snap to snap. Samuel should be effective from the slot and the perimeter in the Chiefs’ offense. Coming from the Washington Commanders, the Chiefs should be able to get a good evaluation on Samuel from Eric Bieniemy, the former offensive coordinator who had the same role last year in Washington.
ONE-HAND MOONEY.
📺: #CHIvsMIN on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/78MQfPqpl1 pic.twitter.com/TDuP4mPsb6— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
Left tackle
No. 23 Tyron Smith
In the past four years, Veach has prioritized the offensive line. That trend should continue since the Chiefs don’t have their left tackle position solidified. It’s possible that Wanya Morris, a third-round pick last year, could earn the coveted spot of protecting Mahomes’ blind side. But if Smith can stay healthy, he has the talent to be the best tackle in Mahomes’ career if he agrees to join the team. Smith played in 13 games last season, but that was also his highest mark since 2015.
If Smith signs with another team, Donovan Smith could return on another one-year deal. Either scenario — the Chiefs swinging big to sign Tyron Smith or retaining Donovan Smith — should benefit Morris, who could use another year to develop before competing for the starting role.
Running back
No. 48 D’Andre Swift
No. 63 Austin Ekeler
No. 97 Tony Pollard
Consider this position part of the Chiefs’ plans in the second or third wave of free agency. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a first-round pick in 2020, is an unrestricted free agent. Jerick McKinnon, the Chiefs’ excellent third-down back, is also a free agent and, as a 10-year veteran, is closer to retirement than his prime. Basically, Isiah Pacheco might need a new partner in the backfield.
Each of these three options is interesting. Swift is known for his ability to make plays in the open field and on the perimeter. The Chiefs are familiar with Ekeler, who might be ready to fully transition into a backup third-down back role. Pollard still has plenty of speed and juice between the tackles. The best part is all three running backs catch the ball well, which is a prerequisite for Reid.
Austin Ekeler punches it in in the final seconds of the half 😤
📺: #DETvsLAC on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGc6Bj pic.twitter.com/TIXThcDbsm— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
Tight end
No. 131 Will Dissly
Once again, Dissly could be replacing longtime veteran Blake Bell. The Chiefs love having three tight ends, and Dissly is one of the more underrated players at his position. He blocks well, is a trusted receiver and can be a solid contributor on special teams.
Defensive ends
No. 79 A.J. Epenesa
No. 118 Dorance Armstrong
Although Epenesa and Armstrong are not Pro Bowlers, they are skilled pass rushers who are also ascending in their careers. Epenesa could be a nice replacement for Mike Danna, who is a first-time free agent. At age 25, Epenesa has collected 13 sacks in the past two seasons combined, so he should be a capable complementary player alongside Jones and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu, who is recovering from a knee injury this offseason.
Armstrong is another defender who has shown he can finish plays when attention is dedicated to another pass rusher. At age 26, Armstrong produced 16 sacks in the past two seasons combined.
First career interception. ☑️
First career touchdown. ☑️📺: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/EmM54fHPAD
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 24, 2023
Cornerback
No. 73 Kendall Fuller
If Sneed is no longer part of the Chiefs, they should still make the wise move of adding another veteran cornerback, perhaps on a one-year deal. Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson are all entering their third year. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes having four cornerbacks he can use on game day. Fuller’s return to Kansas City would be a good pairing for both parties. He offers plenty of versatility, and he was a member of the 2019 team that won the franchise’s first Super Bowl in 50 years.
(Photo of Tyron Smith: Perry Knotts / Getty Images)
