The Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions for the first time in franchise history, and the first team since the 2003-04 New England Patriots to hoist Lombardi Trophies in consecutive seasons.
It is now time for the Chiefs to focus on free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. Two of Kansas City’s top contributors, Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, are set to hit the open market, and with just over $27 million in cap space available, it may prove to be difficult for the Chiefs to retain both of them.
Kansas City is in the midst of a dynasty, and the Chiefs haven’t been afraid to sacrifice key pieces to keep their championship window open.
With that in mind, take a look at the most important situations the Chiefs will have to address this offseason:
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The Chiefs’ first order of business will be deciding what to do with Chris Jones.
The 29-year-old defensive tackle is set to be a free agent and is seeking to become one of the highest-paid players at his position.
Jones has played a key role in Kansas City’s success over the last six years and is a cornerstone player on the Chiefs’ rising defense.
On Friday, February 16, general manager Brett Veach exercised Kansas City’s option on Jones’ contract, giving the Chiefs the right to franchise tag Jones, while paying him the $4.25 million in incentives that he earned during the 2023 season.
Due to his 2023 cap number, Jones’ projected franchise tag would be $32 million, making it unlikely that Kansas City will tag its star defensive tackle.
Regardless of what the Chiefs’ front office decides to do — whether that be tag-and-trade, an extension, or letting him walk in free agency — their decision about Jones’ future must be the first domino to fall before Kansas City makes any other moves.
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L’Jarius Sneed is also set to be a free agent this offseason and has earned a massive payday after an outstanding 2023 campaign where he allowed just two touchdowns.
If the Chiefs choose to franchise tag Sneed, his cap hit would balloon to $18.4 million in 2024, far surpassing the $2.7 million he was paid last season.
It is possible that Kansas City could retain both Jones and Sneed, but this scenario would hinge on getting an extension for the star defensive tackle done first.
Trent McDuffie’s emergence as a lockdown cornerback could make it easier for Veach and the Chiefs’ front office to move on from Sneed, especially given Kansas City’s stellar track record of developing young defensive backs in recent years.
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If the Chiefs want to accomplish a three-peat, the wide receiver position must be addressed this offseason via free agency and the draft.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who struggled with drops and inconsistency in 2023 before Kansas City’s playoff run, would have a $14 million cap number next season. The Chiefs can save $12 million by releasing Valdes-Scantling before June 1.
Moving on from the 29-year-old wideout could potentially free up enough money for the Chiefs to keep Chris Jones and pursue another receiver in free agency.
While Kansas City may not have the resources available to make a move on stars like Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, or Michael Pittman, second-tier pass catchers Marquise Brown and Calvin Ridley could be viable alternatives.
The Chiefs have not invested a first-round pick in a receiver since Jon Baldwin in 2011, instead opting to wait until the second round where they found Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Should they decide that the best upgrade would be made with their No. 32 pick in the first round, prospects like LSU’s Brian Thomas, Texas’ Adonai Mitchell, and Oregon’s Troy Franklin would be intriguing prospects that could help Kansas City’s offense early next season.
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While the interior of the Chiefs’ offensive line is rock-solid, Kansas City’s tackles underwhelmed last season.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor led the NFL with 20 offensive penalties — eight more than the next closest player — and those accounted for 140 penalty yards.
Left tackle Donovan Smith also struggled with penalties and wasn’t the most reliable asset in protecting Patrick Mahomes. Smith will be 31 years old by the start of the 2024 season and is also a free agent. It is unlikely he will be back with the Chiefs next season.
Kansas City has in-house options Wanya Morris, Lucas Niang, and Darian Kinnard to shore up their tackle spots, but with limited film of these prospects in action, the Chiefs may have to turn to free agency to land a starting-caliber left tackle.
Expect Brett Veach to get creative in his effort to ensure that Mahomes has a clean pocket to throw from in 2024.
