Kansas City Chiefs' updated 90-man offseason roster after the first wave of 2024 NFL free agency
The Kansas City Chiefs were not among the most active teams in the first wave of the 2024 NFL free agency period. Brett Veach mostly prioritized their own, starting with Chiefs DT Chris Jones, who landed a massive long-term extension just ahead of the legal tampering period. They continued to re-sign role players and made […]
The Kansas City Chiefs were not among the most active teams in the first wave of the 2024 NFL free agency period.
Brett Veach mostly prioritized their own, starting with Chiefs DT Chris Jones, who landed a massive long-term extension just ahead of the legal tampering period. They continued to re-sign role players and made just two outside additions at the onset of free agency.
The roster is beginning to take shape, but there's still some more work to be done. Let's look at the current state of things and what can transpire as we approach the 2024 NFL draft.
Note: Asterisks (*) represent a 2024 free agent addition and does not include a re-signed player.
Quarterback (3)
On the 90-man roster: Patrick Mahomes, Chris Oladokun, and Ian Book*.
Free agents: Blaine Gabbert
How we got here: There's no quarterback controversy in Kansas City, unless we're talking about the backup spot. The Chiefs have typically carried a veteran backup quarterback during Mahomes' tenure. Is this the year that they go a different route? Gabbert is still available to return, but will he continue his NFL career? If they go the route of youth, look for an undrafted free agent to come in and compete with the other two players in the room behind Mahomes.
Running back (5)
On the 90-man roster: Isiah Pacheco, La'Mical Perine, Deneric Prince, Keaontay Ingram, and Hassan Hall*.
Free agents: Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
How we got here: Pacheco is the clear starter in Kansas City, but beyond that, they've got a lot of questions. Ideally, the coaches would like to see a Year 2 leap from Deneric Prince. A source tells A to Z Sports that the Chiefs are also still looking to add a veteran backup in free agency. They could opt to retain McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire should markets for the pair not develop. Don't rule out the team making an addition in the 2024 NFL draft.
Tight end (6)
On the 90-man roster: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Irv Smith Jr.*, Matt Bushman, Izaiah Gathings, and Gerrit Prince.
Free agents: Blake Bell
How we got here: The Chiefs needed to get younger at this position group. They accomplished that with the addition of Irv Smith Jr. (25 years old) in free agency. They might not be done either as they've shown a ton of interest in the position group in the 2024 NFL draft with at least four known formal interviews at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Wide receiver (12)
On the 90-man roster: Marquise "Hollywood" Brown*, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, Nikko Remigio, Montrell Washington, Cornell Powell, Shi Smith*, Jacob Copeland*, and Anthony Miller*.
Cut: Marquez Valdes-Scantling,
Free agents: Richie James and Mecole Hardman.
How we got here: The Chiefs' release of Valdes-Scantling didn't come as a shock as he was considered the team's top cut candidate for salary cap purposes. The addition of Brown was a needed move as the team looks to retool their wide receiver corps after a disappointing 2023 NFL season. While there are already a ton of receivers on the roster, look for the Chiefs to continue to make additions through and after the 2024 NFL draft.
Offensive line (8)
On the 90-man roster: Wanya Morris, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Jason 'Chu' Godrick, Lucas Niang, and Mike Caliendo.
Signed with new team: Darian Kinnard (Eagles) and Nick Allegretti (Commanders
Free agents: Donovan Smith and Prince Tega Wanogho.
How we got here: This position group quietly needs some work for Kansas City. They've lost their top backup on the offensive interior and they could use some competition in the offensive tackle spot. As things currently stand, Morris is slated to be the team's starter at left tackle.
Defensive line (14)
On the 90-man roster: George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Charles Omenihu, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson, Truman Jones, Jordan Smith*, Chris Jones, Mike Pennel, Neil Farrell Jr., Derrick Nnadi, Isaiah Buggs, Matt Dickerson, and Tershawn Wharton.
Free agents: Mike Danna.
How we got here: Re-signing Jones was the biggest offseason priority in Kansas City. After Aaron Donald's retirement, the Chiefs now have the best defensive tackle in the NFL locked up for the next five seasons. They also brought back several interior players including Pennel, Nnadi, and Wharton. Ideally, players like Buggs and Farrell Jr. step up and earn roles in the rotation, but adding that trio of veterans is a means of protecting yourself in case that doesn't happen.
As for the edge rusher position, the Chiefs could use another body there. Danna remains available, but they could opt to make an addition in the 2024 NFL draft.
Linebacker (6)
On the 90-man roster: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Cam Jones, Cole Christiansen, and Jack Cochrane.
Signed with new team: Willie Gay Jr.(Saints).
Free agents: Darius Harris.
How we got here: Losing a player like Gay opens an opportunity for one of Jones, Christiansen, or Cochrane to slide into the rotation. Ultimately, K.C. chose between Tranquill and Gay in free agency this year, locking up Tranquill on a three-year deal. Look for the team to add more depth here during or after the 2024 NFL draft.
Cornerback (9)
On the 90-man roster: L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nic Jones, Ekow Boye-Doe, Keith Taylor and Kelvin Joseph*.
Free agents: None.
How we got here: Sneed remains a Chief, for now. There is still the possibility that he's traded while on the franchise tag, but it sounds as if he needs to come down on his contract demands to facilitate a trade. Look for more late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents to fill out this group should Sneed stay. If he goes, look for the team to add a veteran in free agency.
Safety (6)
On the 90-man roster: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Deon Bush, Chamarri Conner, Trey Dean III, and Tyree Gillespie.
Free agents: Mike Edwards.
How we got here: Edwards remains a free agent and doesn't seem to have a strong market as things currently stand given the sheer number of players available at safety. Reid, Cook, and Conner are guaranteed to be on the 53-man roster in 2024. Look for Bush and Dean to duke it out for a fourth safety spot. Bush had the edge right now given his special teams prowess, but Dean could surprise some people.
Special teams (3)
On the 90-man roster: K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza*, and LS James Winchester.
Signed with new team: P Tommy Townsend (Texans).
How we got here: The Chiefs chose to move on from their starter at punter for the past four seasons. They added former Bills P Matt Araiza, giving him a second chance at an NFL career after he was cleared of a rape accusation. Don't expect Araiza to go unchallenged as the team looks to make a change at a key specialist position.
Where do things go from here?
Rostered players: 72
Spots available: 18
The Chiefs view free agency as a means to protect themselves from reaching and selecting players out of need in the draft.
Knowing that's the philosophy of Brett Veach, we could still have some pre-draft additions on the way at many positions. Offensive tackle is probably the most notable spot with a need for protection/competition. We know they're on the hunt for a veteran addition at the running back position. They could also add additional bodies at the edge rusher, cornerback, or even the safety position given the depressed market.
Ultimately, the Chiefs seem to be in a holding pattern on free agency decisions until the other shoe finally drops with Sneed's situation. Given how many of their own free agents remain available, we could see several reunions when it's all said and done.
We do know that the team currently has seven picks to use in the 2024 NFL draft, but we shouldn't expect them to use every pick. Some of those could be packaged in trade during the event to help Kansas City be selective in the players they acquire.
Tracking all of the latest Kansas City Chiefs roster moves during 2024 NFL free agency
Keep track of every move the Kansas City Chiefs make during the 2024 NFL free agency period.
