14 Chiefs players who could be playing in their last game with Kansas City in Week 18 vs. Raiders
Several pending free agents could be playing in their last games with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to face the Las Vegas Raiders in what will be their final game of the 2025 NFL season.
Some pending free agents on injured reserve, like Leo Chenal and Jaylen Watson, may have already played their last snaps with the Chiefs. However, for many other pending free agents, Week 18’s game could turn out to be their last with Kansas City as we head into the 2026 NFL offseason.
That group includes a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, plenty of fan favorites, unsung heroes, and some long-time contributors.
Highlighting several players who could be playing their last game with the Chiefs in Week 18 vs. the Raiders
RB Isiah Pacheco: The former 2022 seventh-round draft pick just hasn’t had the same level of effectiveness since his leg injury last year. He shouldn’t be retained as the team looks to revamp its backfield in 2026.
RB Kareem Hunt: Even with the running game as poor as it has been in 2025, Hunt was wildly efficient. He set a career-high in rushing first downs, with 54 on the season, many of them coming on third- or fourth-and-short. If he’s not back, it’ll be a shame, especially given that the team couldn’t win a Super Bowl during his second stint with the club.
WR Hollywood Brown: This year was hardly what the team expected from their top three receivers. Back-to-back one-year deals for Brown, but the Chiefs may not have the salary cap funds to bring him back in 2026, even if they want to.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: Similarly to Brown, Smith-Schuster has been sticking around on one-year deals. With the salary cap limitations, he might not be back. He’s been a great veteran in the room.
TE Travis Kelce: Did you know that Kelce might retire this offseason? Jokes aside, No. 87 is in the final year of his contract in Kansas City. I have no doubt they’d bring him back, but he needs to decide on his football-playing future this offseason. Once he’s made his decision, the Chiefs will make theirs.
TE Robert Tonyan: Tonyan was one of the Chiefs’ preseason stars, but he didn’t have much of an impact in 2026. He caught a single pass, contributing primarily as a blocker and on special teams. He shouldn’t be back, even if Kelce retires.
DE Charles Omenihu: Outside of Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, Omenihu was the Chiefs’ third-best pass-rusher this season. That said, he hasn’t quite been the same dominant force since his knee injury. They need some fresh blood at the edge rusher position, so bringing him back would be ill-advised.
DT Derrick Nnadi: The Chiefs didn’t have a perfect plan at the defensive tackle position this past year, and trading to reacquire Nnadi really reflects that. Moving on from him in the offseason was the right move, and they should have no problem making that call again.
DT Mike Pennel: Again, the Chiefs’ plan at defensive tackle wasn’t great. Releasing Pennel only to re-sign him later in the season was horrible process. At 34, he could choose to retire from the NFL this offseason. I’d be surprised to see him back in Kansas City next year.
LB Jack Cochrane: One of Dave Toub’s most trusted special teamers, Cochrane was a penalty magnet in 2025. Even with Leo Chenal and Drue Tranquill potentially out the door, Cochrane is not the solution for Kansas City.
CB Josh Williams: The former fourth-round draft pick could never really overcome some of his deficiencies as a cornerback during his time in Kansas City. His role has been virtually reduced to special teams-only for the Chiefs.
CB Nazeeh Johnson: Johnson’s career has been defined by injuries at this point. We’ll see if he can show enough in Week 18 to get another contract in Kansas City. Right now, I’m not sure you could realistically bring him back.
S Bryan Cook: The former third-round draft pick in 2022 is coming off what is his best season as a professional. He’s expected to command as much as $14 million per year on the open market, which would very much price the Chiefs out.
S Mike Edwards: The veteran re-joined the club after Deon Bush’s injury, providing some valuable depth. He’s been a fine fill-in, but they need to continue getting younger and faster in this position group.
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