One Chiefs starter, and five of their potential targets, make ESPN’s early 2026 top-25 free agents list
Kansas City’s roster could see some big changes next year.
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently focused on turning around their 2025 season, but general manager Brett Veach and his staff are always looking toward the future.
He will have a lot of big roster decisions to make this spring, including what to do with multiple members of the Chiefs’ standout 2022 draft class. Among them is cornerback Jaylen Watson, who was a seventh-round pick in that group.
Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen of ESPN recently released their early 2026 top-25 free agents list, which features not only Watson, but several other players who the Chiefs could be interested in adding for next season.
No. 15: Jaylen Watson
From Fowler: “Watson isn’t a marquee name but is one that generated buzz when discussing free agents with teams. ‘He’ll have a nice market,’ an AFC executive said. ‘He could surprise some people.’ The Chiefs’ extension candidates include star corner Trent McDuffie, which could force Watson to go elsewhere during the offseason.”
Watson has posted 153 total tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and 22 passes defensed in his career. The Chiefs are likely looking at having to decide between Watson or McDuffie to keep. McDuffie is the better player, but Watson would be cheaper.
No. 6: New York Jets RB Breece Hall
From Bowen: “He’s a fluid mover with good contact balance and the vision to find daylight, and he brings a dual-threat element to the backfield. Hall has 174 receptions in his career, while averaging 92.0 total yards. He also has 82 rushes of 10 or more yards over 3.5 seasons, so he’s a three-down back with big-play juice.”
The connection here is obvious, as Veach offered the Jets a fourth-round pick for Hall before the trade deadline, but New York wanted a third. The Chiefs didn’t want to give up high draft capital for a rental, but could sign him long-term without having to surrender anything. K.C. hasn’t invested big money in a running back since Jamaal Charles.
No. 10: Philadelphia Eagles EDGE Jaelan Phillips
From Bowen: “Injuries have reduced Phillips’ range, but he has the physical tools that teams look for on the edge. With his long 6-foot-5 frame, Phillips can play as both an edge setter and a pocket disrupter. In his first game with the Eagles on Monday night, Phillips had four pressures and one tackle for loss. Over his five-year career, Phillips has accounted for 26 sacks and 127 pressures.”
Defensive line is widely regarded as the Chiefs’ biggest need. Phillips has a lengthy injury history, but is still only 26 years old and is having a solid year for the Dolphins. He possesses the size that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes in an EDGE. If he doesn’t price himself out with a huge finish to the season, signing Phillips seems prototypical Veach move.
No. 19: Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr.
From Bowen: “Etienne has looked more explosive on tape this season, slashing through creases of daylight as a runner. Etienne’s 16 rushes of 10 or more yards are tied for the 10th most, and he’s a capable receiver out of the backfield (21 catches in 2025).”
Etienne has posted two 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and is on pace to do so again in 2025. He should fit right into coach Andy Reid’s offensive system after playing for former Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson for three years. Etienne is a three-down back who runs with a nice combination of speed and power, possesses receiving skills, and can pass protect.
No. 21: Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts
From Fowler: “Pitts hasn’t quite lived up to his pre-draft billing as an elite prospect. Injuries have been a factor. But some evaluators see him slowly coming back. ‘He looks good — running better than he has,’ an AFC executive said. Pitts’ 45 receptions rank third among tight ends through Week 10.”
Pitts is pace to set new career-highs in receptions and receiving yards this season. He may not have yet developed into an elite TE, but Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes could elevate him there. Signing Pitts would likely be contingent on Travis Kelce retiring, which is a very real possibility.
No. 22: Seattle Seahawks EDGE Boye Mafe
From Bowen: “Mafe has an explosive first step, which allows him to attack the edges of offensive tackles. His effort level and backside pursuit ability also lead to second-reaction sacks. Mafe can still add more refinement to his pass-rushing plan, but the traits are there to produce in a system that schemes matchups out of multiple fronts.”
The Chiefs made a push to acquire Mafe before the trade deadline, but a potential deal fell apart at the last minute. He lost his starting role in Seattle, but part of that can be attributed to how loaded the Seahawks are along their defensive line. That could make Mafe affordable, and he could be an upgrade over Chiefs defensive ends Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna.
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