The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has wrapped up, and the Kansas City Chiefs are now focusing on their approach to free agency. With the new league year starting on March 11, general manager Brett Veach is working to make the team salary cap compliant as the franchise prepares strategic moves for the upcoming offseason.
Following the combine, the Chiefs’ free agency intentions are becoming clearer, revealing how they plan to balance roster needs and financial constraints while aiming to rebuild after a challenging 2025 season.
Evaluating the Future of Key 2022 Draft Class Members
The Chiefs face complex decisions involving their 2022 NFL Draft talents, particularly safety Bryan Cook, cornerback Jaylen Watson, and linebacker Leo Chenal. Each contributed importantly to Kansas City’s recent championships, but the front office recognizes that retaining all three long-term may not be feasible due to salary cap considerations.
Reports from the combine indicate Cook could command a deal exceeding $14 million per year. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are aware there are less expensive alternatives on the market, including safeties like Nick Cross of the Indianapolis Colts, Dane Belton from the New York Giants, Andre Cisco of the New York Jets, and Ar’Darius Washington of the Baltimore Ravens. The 2026 draft class is also notably deep at the safety position, offering Kansas City options to reinforce this spot through both free agency and the draft.
Jaylen Watson is projected to secure an annual contract near $12 million. While the team favors keeping him, they have an emerging cornerback, Nohl Williams, poised to step up. Additionally, extending Watson becomes more complicated if the Chiefs decide to invest heavily in extending cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Linebacker Leo Chenal remains a priority to retain, but the financial reality of paying premium linebacker salaries limits the Chiefs’ flexibility. With Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill already among the highest-paid linebackers on the roster, and considering the linebacker class in the upcoming draft is strong, Kansas City might aim to draft a candidate instead of overpaying in free agency.
Uncertainty Surrounding Offensive Tackle Jawaan Taylor
At the combine, Brett Veach addressed the future of right tackle Jawaan Taylor amidst conversations about possible salary cap cuts. Although releasing Taylor could free up around $20 million, there is hesitancy within the Chiefs organization due to his reliability in pass protection despite occasional pre-snap penalties.
Without a clear replacement ready, especially with quarterback health concerns following an ACL and LCL injury, the Chiefs want to be cautious. Before deciding to release Taylor, the team hopes to gain confidence in acquiring impactful free agents with the cap space saved or to find trade opportunities rather than losing assets outright.
This situation remains fluid as the team approaches the legal tampering period beginning March 9, with options to keep, cut, or trade Taylor still open.
Contract Negotiations and Potential Trade for Trent McDuffie
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach confirmed discussions with cornerback Trent McDuffie’s representatives regarding a contract extension. Following initial talks, there has been a quiet period, frequently an indication of ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations.
While extending McDuffie is the preferred outcome, there remains a scenario where trading the young cornerback could benefit the club. Veach acknowledged the team is in a rebuilding phase, and moving star players can sometimes be necessary, referencing the past trade of Tyreek Hill as a difficult but strategic decision.
A possible trade partner is the Los Angeles Rams, who recently hired Jimmy Lake as their passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Lake, who was McDuffie’s college recruiter and coach at the University of Washington from 2014 to 2021, adds a compelling connection that could influence trade discussions.
Anticipated Free Agency Investments and Priorities
Looking ahead to free agency, the Chiefs aim to target key players who can strengthen areas of weakness emerging from a 6-11 season in 2025. Speculation about acquiring Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne has gained traction, though general manager Brett Veach’s comments at the combine suggest a strategic approach centered on positional value rather than a singular focus on high-profile skill positions.
“I mean, it’s a great question, and I think there’s the old school – I mean, you’re always going to (look at) o-line (and) d-line – those positional values are there (and) you see them in free agency,”
Veach said.
“But at the same time, I mean arguably some of the best players in this draft are maybe at non-premium position when you look at the Ohio State linebacker (Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles), the Notre Dame running back (Jeremiyah Love), the safety at Ohio State (Caleb Downs) and those are really, really good players it’s hard to find faults with their tape, I rarely saw it. Again, some of those more premium positions (like) interior d-line (and) edge rushers, they’re hard to find. With those guys, the problem is they’re hard to find, and then they don’t really become available in free agency. Some of those other positions, they’re good players, you’ll probably eventually get a chance to get some of those positions in free agency. That’s the thing you just have to go through and weigh out all the options. But at the end of the day, I think when a guy is going to come in here and be a great contributor on the field (and) off the field, stick to that old mantra and take the best player available, right?”
Veach’s statement suggests the Chiefs are weighing premium positions like offensive tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver more heavily during free agency, while keeping an eye on draft prospects such as Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for possible early selections.
The interior defensive line free agent class appears relatively thin, with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive tackle Logan Hall standing out as a potential target, although a large contract in this area seems unlikely. Conversely, the edge rusher group offers more depth, making this position more attractive in the free agent market.
Among the edge rushers, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe is a name to watch. Kansas City showed interest in him prior to the trade deadline, and the Seahawks’ salary cap issues could make him available. Other edge rushers like Green Bay Packers’ Kingsley Enagbare and Indianapolis Colts’ Kwity Paye also present promising options.
Emerging Talent to Potentially Succeed Travis Kelce
A standout from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia highlighted tight end Eli Stowers as a likely successor to longtime Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Stowers’ unique skill set and readiness to contribute could make him a key asset for Kansas City’s offense in the near future.
