With their 2024 NFL season in the rearview mirror, the Kansas City Chiefs head into the offseason with work to do on their aging roster. General manager Brett Veach has several contract decisions to make, and several of the team’s starters are scheduled to hit free agency this year.
Among those out of contract this year are key defensive players Justin Reid and Nick Bolton, as well as starting offensive lineman Trey Smith. Let’s take a look at all of the Chiefs’ free agents in 2025.
List of Notable Chiefs Free Agents
- Quarterback Carson Wentz
- Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins
- Wide receiver Justin Watson
- Wide receiver Marquise Brown
- Wide receiver Mecole Hardman
- Running back Kareem Hunt
- Running back Samaje Perine
- Tight end Baylor Cupp
- Tight end Jody Fortson
- Tight end Peyton Hendershot
- Right guard Trey Smith
- Left guard Mike Caliendo
- Left tackle D.J. Humphries
- Safety Justin Reid
- Safety Nazeeh Johnson
- Cornerback Keith Taylor
- Edge rusher Charles Omenihu
- Edge rusher Joshua Uche
- Edge rusher Malik Herring
- Linebacker Nick Bolton
- Linebacker Jack Cochrane
- Interior defensive lineman Mike Pennel
- Interior defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton
- Interior defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi
- Interior defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu
- Kicker Spencer Shrader
- Punter Matt Araiza
- Long snapper James Winchester
Chiefs’ 2025 Cap Space
The Chiefs’ 2025 cap space is just $11,503,627, the ninth-lowest in the league, meaning some players may have to be cut or restructured to make room. In fact, per Over the Cap, the Chiefs are projected to be over the salary cap upon signing their draft class.
Success comes at a cost, and it would appear that the Chiefs will have to pay up in 2025. There is not a lot of room to move in terms of cuts, pre- or post-June 1.
One move that could free up some space would be to extend Jawaan Taylor’s contract. The right tackle has two years remaining on his current deal and, at only 27, could save the franchise $15,064,000 this coming year by extending his deal.
Perhaps the biggest dent that the Chiefs could make in their 2025 salary cap, though, would be to restructure Chris Jones’ contract. Jones currently has four years remaining on his deal in Kansas City with some front-loaded bonuses. Per Over the Cap, the Chiefs could save themselves $20,696,250 in 2025 by restructuring that deal.