2026 NFL free agency: Chiefs could lose these 30 players next month

Feb. 26, 2026, 8:36 p.m. CT

The Kansas City Chiefs will see several of their players leave Western Missouri during free agency next month, and after a failed 2025 campaign, the team is expected to make a few moves that could alter its trajectory for years to come.

Roster construction is an imperfect science in the NFL, but Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has proven himself to be a discerning decision-maker.

Kansas City won’t have as much money as other teams when free agency opens next month, so the Chiefs will look for opportunities to achieve “addition by subtraction.”

Here’s a look at all of Kansas City’s players who are set to hit the open market in free agency:

TE Travis KelceAug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) watch play against the Chicago Bears during the second half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesDB Jaylen WatsonSep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) takes the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesDL Mike DannaOct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesRB Isiah PachecoSep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) gestures before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesWR Marquise ‘Hollywood’ BrownSep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) celebrates after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesDL Charles OmenihuEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Charles Omenihu #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the NFL 2025 game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)LB Jack CochraneDec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jack Cochrane (43) reacts after the New England Patriots miss the field goal attempt in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY SportsDB Nazeeh JohnsonAug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesDL Jerry TilleryJul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (99) walk down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesLS James WinchesterAug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; KKansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) watches a replay against the Detroit Lions during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsRB Kareem HuntLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 27: Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes the football against the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 27-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)DB Bryan CookJan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesWR JuJu Smith-SchusterSep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesDL Derrick NnadiJan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (92) during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesLB Leo ChenalAug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesDB Deon BushAug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush (26) leaves the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsTE Robert Tonyan Jr.SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 15: Robert Tonyan #85 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)DL Mike PennelJul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr. (69) gestures to fans while walking from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsDB Mike EdwardsJan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) against the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsQB Gardner MinshewAug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew (17) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesRB Dameon PierceLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Dameon Pierce #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Tyree Wilson #9 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)LB Cole ChristiansenJul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cole Christiansen (48) walks down the hill from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsDL Janarius RobinsonAug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Janarius Robinson (98) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesWR Tyquan ThorntonNov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (80) warms up against the Indianapolis Colts prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesDB Joshua WilliamsFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) and head coach Andy Reid against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesOL Mike CaliendoJan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Mike Caliendo (66) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesRB Keaontay IngramAug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Keaontay Ingram (30) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsP Matt AraizaNov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Matthew Wright (49) is congratulated by punter Matt Araiza (14) after scoring against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesDB Eric Scott Jr.GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Eric Scott Jr. #37 of the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 28-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)WR Nikko RemigioOct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) catches a punt against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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