While it looks like the Kansas City Chiefs could miss the playoffs for the first time in several years, top free agent cornerback Jaylen Watson may depart once the 2025 season concludes. The Chiefs haven’t looked the same since coming off that embarrassing Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, and now, at 5-5, they have plenty of talent that will become a free agent this upcoming offseason. Unfortunately, it will come down to Watson and other standout cornerback [Trent McDuffie](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2022/04/14/2022-nfl-draft-trent-mcduffie-scouting-report/), which [leads many to believe that Watson could receive major interest](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46929670/2026-nfl-free-agent-ranking-top-25-predictions-buzz-hendrickson-jones-pickens) come free agency in March. The Chiefs’ secondary continues to find ways to pave the way for younger talent, while losing L’Jarius Sneed and Justin Reid in back-to-back offseasons, and Watson is likely the latest to be heading out the door.
Top 2026 Free Agent Jaylen Watson May Depart After Season is Over – 3 Possible Next Teams
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Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Washington State product isn’t the most glorious prize possession, but any team could reap the benefits of the Chiefs’ former talent. Despite being held as a competitor to other cornerbacks like Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson, Watson was able to keep his ground and win the starting job. McDuffie is their primary contributor for the secondary unit, and he’s in line for a monster deal. Watson could earn his next long-term contract with these three teams.