The NFL free-agency period arrived Monday, and Chiefs news broke quickly from the gate.
By noon, reports had Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker, the Super Bowl MVP, coming to Kansas City, and cornerback Jaylen Watson heading to the Los Angeles Rams. Also, The Star has confirmed tight end Travis Kelce will be back with the Chiefs.
Here’s a rundown of moves involving the Chiefs:
Defensive end Mike Danna is released: The move saved Kansas City roughly $9 million against the 2026 salary cap.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is released: The move saved Kansas City $20 million against the 2026 salary cap.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie traded to Los Angeles Rams: The Chiefs traded the All-Pro to LA in exchange for four draft picks, including No. 29 overall in this year’s draft.
Tight end Travis Kelce will return for 14th season in Kansas City, The Star confirms: It appears that Kelce turned down more money from other interested teams to return to the Chiefs, per a report.
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to sign with Chiefs: GM Brett Veach told reporters his primary focus this offseason was to get more explosive in the run game.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson will join McDuffie as he signs with Rams: If McDuffie wasn’t enough, both of the Chiefs’ 2025 starting cornerbacks will be playing for LA next season.
Former New England Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to sign with Chiefs: The 29-year-old recorded 17 quarterback pressures and 17 defensive stops in 2025, according to PFF. He also had 15 snaps as a fullback.
Safety Bryan Cook leaves Chiefs for AFC rival Cincinnati Bengals: The 2022 second-rounder just wrapped up his rookie contract with the Chiefs. Now, he returns home.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew has found a new home with the Arizona Cardinals: With Kyler Murray out of the mix in Arizona, Minshew will reportedly sit behind Jacoby Brissett as the Cardinals’ backup. The Chiefs are in need of a backup QB.
Cornerback Joshua Williams is reportedly headed to Tennessee: NFL Network reports he’s on a two-year deal, with another defensive back leaving the KC secondary.
Former Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman to sign with the Chiefs, The Star confirms: Gilman’s snap percentages point to him being a direct replacement for Cook.
The Chiefs are bringing back wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: Thornton first signed with KC on its practice squad in November 2024. Now, the Chiefs are keeping him around.
Kansas City’s 2026 free agent additions
RB Kenneth Walker III
DT Khyiris Tonga
S Alohi Gilman
Kansas City’s 2026 unrestricted free agents
RT Jawaan Taylor
S Bryan Cook (signing with Bengals)
TE Travis Kelce (returning to Chiefs)
CB Jaylen Watson (signing with Rams)
WR Hollywood Brown
DE Mike Danna
LB Leo Chenal
RB Isiah Pacheco
DL Charles Omenihu
DT Jerry Tillery
WR Tyquan Thornton (returning to Chiefs)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
LB Jack Cochrane
RB Kareem Hunt
DE Janarius Robinson
DT Mike Pennel
TE Robert Tonyan
S Mike Edwards
CB Nazeeh Johnson
DT Derrick Nnadi
OL Mike Caliendo
CB Joshua Williams (signing with Titans)
RB Dameon Pierce
QB Gardner Minshew (signing with Cardinals)
S Deon Bush
LS James Winchester (returning to Chiefs)
The Star’s Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell contributed to this report.