The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are set to have one of the most interesting offseasons in recent memory for a back-to-back championship organization.
Sure, three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and a majority of the offense will be returning for 2024, but key members of the defense have less-than-confirmed roles. With just over $9 million in cap space, the Chiefs have plenty of work to do to improve the roster to try and be the first team since the Vince Lombardi-Packers to win three championships in a row.
With free agency set to begin in just a few days, let’s look at the latest news and notes coming out of the City of Champions.
Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency News and Rumors
L’Jarius Sneed on the Move?
No one was surprised when the Chiefs put the non-exclusive franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed.
Now, it seems the organization will be willing to try and see if any takers will look to add one of the highest-rated cornerbacks in the game.
Diana Russini, Senior NFL reporter for The Athletic, said on Thursday’s episode of The Athletic Football Show that the Chiefs were looking for first-round pick compensation, with most teams expecting the negotiations to be for a second-round pick.
“I do think that he winds up getting traded,” Russini said. “And I think the fact that we’re seeing several teams already showing interest, and this is just based on the conversations I’ve been having over the last few days.
“The way these deals usually come together, the agents working with the team, it’s a good collaborative effort here to try to get something done, which pretty much tells you that that’s why they’re willing to do this. Because they’re in on it, and they’re trying to get as much as they possibly can for him.”
While no trade has been finalized, the Lions, Steelers, and a plethora of other teams have expressed interest in the former fourth-round pick.
Re-Signing Key Linebacker
Despite the limited cap space, the Chiefs are still finding ways to lock up some of their more important role players.
Thursday evening, the organization re-signed linebacker Drue Tranquill to a three-year, $19 million deal, as first reported by Adam Schefter. Tranquill was one of the best free agent signings Kansas City made last season.
KEEP READING: Salary Cap Space by Team
In 16 appearances, the former Los Angeles Charger tallied 78 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
He also added 21 tackles during Kansas City’s playoff run through Super Bowl LVIII.
While he’s not the only defensive player the Chiefs are looking to extend long-term, a significant role player is back with the team for next season.
Chris Jones Teases Return?
Kansas City does not have enough salary cap space to bring back both Sneed and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. While there are ways to create cap space to have those conversations, Jones hasn’t stopped teasing Chiefs Kingdom on Thursday.
The eight-year veteran, who has notched 10+ sacks in back-to-back years as a defensive tackle, posted an image of head coach Andy Reid and him embracing on the field following their Super Bowl LVIII victory — a sign that Jones could be looking to stay in Kansas City for the long-term.
KC…… pic.twitter.com/yODPsrCYf7
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones)
No deal has been finalized to this point, but the Chiefs are acting like a team trying to do everything possible to keep their championship core intact.
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