Andy Reid
Getty
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid's roster will look noticeably different in 2026.
The Kansas City Chiefs are getting their ducks in a row before free agency officially starts on March 11.
After entering the offseason $52.7 million over the cap, the Chiefs started to clear space by restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract for the fourth consecutive year, freeing up $43.6 million.
They cleared another $20 million by releasing veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor, and releasing defensive Mike Danna saved another $9 million.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach then pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade to send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Kansas City not only piled up four draft picks, but they also saved $13.6 million against the cap.
Trent McDuffie
GettyFormer Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie is heading to the Los Angeles Rams.
While the Chiefs have $24.88 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, there are numerous gaps in the roster to fill. They also need money for the nine picks they have in the 2026 NFL draft.
If the Chiefs plan to make a big swing in free agency and sign a new slate of rookies, Veach is likely planning a few more cuts and restructures.
The Chiefs Can Clear $50 Million By Releasing TE Noah Gray, LB Drue Tranquill & Restructuring Chris Jones’ Contract
Drue Tranquill
GettyChiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill is on the chopping block.
Tight end Noah Gray, linebacker Drue Tranquill, and defensive tackle Chris Jones all signed extensions ahead of the 2024 season. While Gray inked a three-year, $18 million contract, Tranquill signed a three-year, $19 million deal. As for superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones, he signed a five-year, $158.75 million deal.
ESPN’s Nate Taylor believes these three may play into the Chiefs’ next move. “The Chiefs can create even more cap space — having more than $50 million available to them next week when free agency starts — by releasing linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray while restructuring Jones’ contract,” Taylor wrote on March 5.
And what will they do with the extra cash?
“The Chiefs are expected to target signing one of the top running back options, candidates such as Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks), Travis Etienne Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons),” Taylor added.
“On defensive line, the Chiefs could target players such as defensive ends Boye Mafe (Seahawks), Bradley Chubb (Dolphins), Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia Eagles), Kwity Paye (Indianapolis Colts) and defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers (Denver Broncos).”
The Chiefs are in ‘Rebuild’ Mode After ‘The Most Difficult’ Trade in Brett Veach’s Career
Brett Veach
GettyChiefs general manager Brett Veach is making tough decisions ahead of free agency.
Saying goodbye to McDuffie was no easy feat. Taylor reported, “According to a team source with knowledge of the process, the trade was one of the most difficult decisions in Veach’s tenure, which began in 2017.”
However, McDuffie, entering the final year of his rookie contract, is expected to become the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine last week, Veach strongly hinted big moves were on the horizon.
“The last few years, we were kind of just, like, in a maintenance stage,” Veach said. “Now we’re trying to rebuild this thing again. I think for a GM and a personnel staff, that’s exciting…
“We know we have to execute an efficient game plan in free agency and then we’ve got to nail these picks. That’ll be important for us to keep this run going.”