Chiefs Weigh Keeping Top Free Agents

Key players like Watson, Cook, and Kelce could depart Kansas City this offseason

Feb. 28, 2026 at 11:07am

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Coming off a 6-11 season, the Kansas City Chiefs face difficult decisions on which of their top unrestricted free agents to bring back for 2026 and beyond. Players like cornerback Joshua Watson, safety Juan Cook, and tight end Travis Kelce headline the list of key contributors who could depart the team this offseason.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have limited salary cap space, so they'll have to be selective in retaining their top free agents. Losing players like Watson, Cook, and Kelce would be a major blow, as they've been integral parts of the team's success in recent years.

The details

Watson, a seventh-round pick in 2022, has started 21 games over the past two seasons and provided consistent production at cornerback. Cook quietly had a career year in 2025, posting an 83.5 defensive grade at Pro Football Focus. Kelce, though 36 years old, remains highly productive, finishing fourth among NFL tight ends with 851 receiving yards last season.

  • The Chiefs' 2025 season ended with a 6-11 record.
  • Watson, Cook, and Kelce are all set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason.

The players

Joshua Watson

A cornerback who has started 21 games for the Chiefs over the past two seasons.

Juan Cook

A safety who had a career year in 2025, posting an 83.5 defensive grade at Pro Football Focus.

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end who remains highly productive, finishing fourth among NFL tight ends with 851 receiving yards last season.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying to create a dynasty. I love what we're trying to build here from the top down — from the coaches to the corporation down to the players and the people that we meet along the way. They bring in a lot of good guys and good dudes who want to work hard.”

— Juan Cook, Safety (The Athletic)

“I love Kansas City. I love the fans. I love everything about it, front office down to the players.”

— Joshua Watson, Cornerback (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to determine which of their top free agents to prioritize re-signing this offseason, as they have limited salary cap space to work with.

The takeaway

The Chiefs face tough decisions on retaining their top free agents like Watson, Cook, and Kelce, as losing any of those key contributors would be a major blow to the team's chances of bouncing back from a disappointing 6-11 season.