Kansas City Chiefs’ updated list of pending 2026 free agents at the bye week includes starters on both sides of the ball
An early look at the Kansas City Chiefs’ pending free agents for the 2026 NFL offseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the bye week with a 5-4 record, looking to make a strong push in the second half of the 2025 NFL season. With eight weeks left in the regular season, the postseason will be here before we know it. Then comes the fun of the offseason, building for the 2026 NFL season through free agency and the draft.
The Chiefs have many pending free agents in 2026, including many from Brett Veach’s signature 2022 NFL Draft class. Some players will receive contract extensions, some will move on to other teams, and others could choose to retire from the NFL. One thing is for sure: At $30M over the salary cap — even after cuts, restructures, and extensions — they won’t have the means to keep everybody around.
Below you’ll find a look at all of the 2026 free agents for the Chiefs:
Chiefs’ total 2026 free agents: 26
Unrestricted free agents: 21
- QB Gardner Minshew
- TE Travis Kelce
- TE Robert Tonyan
- RB Kareem Hunt
- RB Isiah Pacheco
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- WR Marquise Brown
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
- WR Tyquan Thornton
- DE Charles Omenihu
- DE Janarius Robinson
- DT Jerry Tillery
- DT Derrick Nnadi
- LB Jack Cochrane
- LB Leo Chenal
- CB Nazeeh Johnson
- CB Jaylen Watson
- CB Joshua Williams
- S Deon Bush
- S Bryan Cook
- LS James Winchester
If unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are not re-signed by March, the beginning of the new league year, they are free to sign with any team at the start of free agency and legal tampering. The Chiefs have several players slated for unrestricted free agency this year, including many considered starters on offense and defense.
The Chiefs have multiple paths they can take with this free agency period, but everything starts with TE Travis Kelce. If he wants to continue playing, expect the team to entertain it. Also, expect that it would be a team-friendly deal.
The most likely to walk in free agency? CB Jaylen Watson. He’s earned himself a nice payday as a starter opposite Trent McDuffie.
The most likely to re-sign? RB Kareem Hunt. Say what you will about his explosion and ability as a starter at this point in his career, but he’s one of the most effective short-yardage players in the league this season.
Restricted free agents: 2
- OG Mike Caliendo
- RB Keaontay Ingram
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) are players with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. They are allowed to negotiate with other teams even if they’re offered an RFA contract tender. Those other teams can sign the RFA to an offer sheet, but the Chiefs would have the right to match the offer. If KC decides against matching the offer, depending on the tender type, they can receive draft compensation for the player.
I’d expect the Chiefs to tender a contract to Caliendo, who has become their top backup interior offensive lineman.
Exclusive rights free agents: 3
- P Matt Araiza
- CB Eric Scott Jr.
- WR Nikko Remigio
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) are free agents who have yet to accrue three seasons in the NFL. Kansas City holds exclusive negotiating rights with its ERFAs. If an ERFA is tendered a qualifying contract offer before free agency, that player can’t refuse that offer. That player can reach unrestricted free agency only if the team does not give a qualifying offer.
Matt Araiza and Nikko Remigio will likely receive ERFA tenders. I could see Araiza getting a long-term deal after the improvements he’s made in 2025.
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