We've stated for weeks that free agency is going to be a big deal for the Kansas City Chiefs as they look to rebuild the roster after a horror 2025 season.
With the Chiefs missing the playoffs, coupled with Patrick Mahomes' ACL injury, it was just a nightmare for the AFC's apex predator.
But free agency is a chance for the Chiefs to reset and go again in 2026. However, it might not be as easy as that.
CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani has named the Chiefs as one of a host of teams to be hardest hit in free agency. Why? Because this is the list of free agents.
Travis Kelce, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Bryan Cook, Jaylen Watson, Leo Chenal, Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi, and Mike Pennel.
And Dajani also wrote that Trent McDuffie needs a new deal, and that offensive lineman Creed Humphrey is due a bump in pay.
More: Patriots' $26 million WR named as cut candidate
Chiefs facing free agency trouble
Make no mistake about it, general manager Brett Veach will be earning his money this offseason.
Out of the free agents mentioned above, how many will be on the team in 2026?
Mahomes' receiver room looks destined to be a different group in 2026, so too at running back. Plus, defensively, the needs along the defensive line and at linebacker are also significant if the franchise can't agree to terms with several players.
So, how the Chiefs will work through that free agent list will make for fascinating viewing, and if the franchise can retain several of them, then great.
But if the majority of them walk, it could turn into a nightmare for Kansas City.
More NFL news: