The Kansas City Chiefs are entering an unusual offseason as they prepare for significant decisions regarding Leo Chenal free agency and other key players. Following their first playoff miss in ten years during the 2025 season, the Chiefs hold a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and face a complex salary cap situation that could influence their roster moves.
Insights on Chiefs’ Strategy for Retaining Free Agents
The Chiefs are currently facing financial constraints, with reports indicating the team sits approximately $13 million over the salary cap before free agency begins. Such a scenario often forces teams to consider restructuring veteran contracts or releasing players to create cap space. Kansas City might also benefit from players accepting hometown discounts, inspired by the team’s recent successes.
NFL insider Jesse Newell shared insights from the combine regarding the Chiefs’ approach to their free agents, including Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson, and Bryan Cook. Newell identified cornerback Jaylen Watson as the player most likely to depart, given that his market value is expected to be the highest among the Chiefs’ free agents.
“Cornerback Jaylen Watson is likely to command the highest dollar amount and, because of that, seems least likely to return,”
Newell explained.
Newell also noted that the Chiefs often hold an advantage by being able to match offers extended to their own players, particularly if those players have a desire to remain in Kansas City rather than relocating their families.
“But one advantage the Chiefs often get with their own players in free agency is the ability to match other teams’ offers – especially if those guys enjoyed their time in K.C. and would prefer a return rather than uprooting themselves and their families,”
the insider remarked.
While Watson’s return appears uncertain, the futures of safety Bryan Cook and linebacker Leo Chenal remain unclear. Cook recently completed a career-best year and ranked fourth in tackles for the Chiefs in 2025. Chenal contributed two sacks, an interception, and 58 tackles, but his precise value is less defined, as some defenses might envision a larger role for him than he had in Kansas City.
“Safety Bryan Cook is coming off a career year, but there also appears to be quite a bit of safety depth in the draft,”
Newell said.
“Linebacker Leo Chenal’s value also is a mystery, as some 3-4 defenses might see him capable of a bigger role than he has in K.C.”
Watson led the team in interceptions during 2025 and earned a strong 80.4 grade from PFSN’s CB Impact metric, underscoring his importance on the Chiefs’ defense.
Implications of the Offseason for Team Performance
The 2026 offseason is critical for the Chiefs, as they seek to recover after their worst campaign in the Patrick Mahomes era. There is ongoing uncertainty about the return of key figures such as tight end Travis Kelce, whose presence will be vital to improving the offense. Losing defensive leaders like Cook or Watson would create additional challenges for a secondary already in need of reinforcement.
The upcoming draft presents an opportunity for the Chiefs to address these roster gaps. Successfully acquiring talent with their high draft pick, coupled with retaining select free agents, could restore the team’s competitiveness. Mahomes’ health and continued excellence remain a cornerstone of the franchise’s prospects.
