Disclaimers: The team-building process is FAR from over, grades are mostly irrelevant at this point, every available free agent is likely getting overpaid, contracts have inflated, games aren’t played in March, this isn’t a judgment on anybody’s character, prices and participation may vary, void where prohibited.
Now that the first couple of days are out of the way, we have a glimpse of the key free agent moves the Chiefs have been planning. It started with a big trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie,
a big addition in running back Kenneth Walker, and a bunch of subtractions from the team’s own pool of free agents.
We’ve talked on the “Out of Structure” podcast about the idea that the Chiefs probably have four significant moves that will define the offseason. The “four-legged stool” that will support the 2026 version of your favorite team includes one big free agency addition, plus picks 9, 29, and 40. If the season started tomorrow, that stool would fall over. But the draft is still weeks away; there’s a lot of work left to be done.
That said, let’s take a quick look at those most affected by the Chiefs’ first wave of free agency.
4 Winners
Running back Kenneth Walker: Often linked to the Chiefs, many of us didn’t believe the front office would pay him, but the multi-year deal provides some security for team and player alike.
The most recent Super Bowl MVP joins a team looking to extend a dynasty. He also gets a big upgrade at quarterback, will be coached by head coach Andy Reid with offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, should see more light boxes, and gets to run behind right guard Trey Smith and center Creed Humphrey.
I’m not sure any 2026 free agent is better positioned for success than Walker — the first leg of the stool for the Chiefs and a massive upgrade.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Every decision this team makes should be about maximizing the current and future health (and production) of the franchise quarterback. The team brought back two of his favorite pass catchers — tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton — while seemingly improving the depth along the offensive line.
The narrative that the team has put too much on his shoulders (and legs) in recent years, so we’re also hoping to see some changes in the offense. To that end, they added the top running back available in free agency. Walker is a guy who can be a focal point of the offense, and bring some much-needed balance. It’s the first big sign that things are changing in Kansas City.
The “no Running Back in the First Round” crowd: It has been a fun idea to picture Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love becoming the next Jamaal Charles in Kansas City. That dream is all but dead now that the Chiefs signed Walker.
Given the fact that the New Orleans Saints signed Etienne, there’s a pretty good indication that Love wouldn’t have been available to the Chiefs at pick No. 9 anyway. There has always been a significant group of fans and pundits who hate the idea of using a first-round pick on a running back. They didn’t like it when Clyde Edwards-Helaire was picked 32nd, and were vindicated when that pick didn’t work out as planned.
Love is likely the only running back that will be taken in round one of this year’s draft, so breathe easy— your Chiefs won’t be investing a first-round pick in the backfield!
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: A fan-favorite after resurrecting his career in Kansas City last season, the only complaint about Thornton is that he didn’t see enough targets. Well, his new contract is reason to believe he’s in the plans for an increased role in 2026. If he can continue building on what he started last year, it’ll still be a great deal for the Chiefs, and Thornton will have created tremendous value for his next deal.
3 Losers
The Chiefs Secondary: Back in 2022, the Chiefs invested heavily in defense during the draft, with a focus on the secondary. Fast forward to this week, and that draft class has mostly moved on from Kansas City for significant paydays. After the McDuffie trade, Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook, and Joshua Williams all signed deals elsewhere.
So, what’s left for Steve Spagnuolo and Dave Merritt’s defense? Well, they had some promising glimpses at safety Jaden Hicks, cornerbacks Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton in 2025. Then, there’s Christian Roland-Wallace and Chamarri Conner, who have proven to be useful role players. The unit added safety Alohi Gilman to fill a veteran, versatile role, but that’s about it so far.
Expect the Chiefs to be aggressive in adding at least one safety and probably two cornerbacks in the draft. General manager Brett Veach has found gems in the past; he’ll need to do so again.
Nose tackle Mike Pennel: The Chiefs finally invested at the nose tackle position with the addition of Khyiris Tonga, formerly of the New England Patriots. Tonga has a great story and is well-regarded as the kind of teammate and anchor the Chiefs need. This likely signals the end of the recent pattern of bringing Pennel and Derrick Nnadi back and trying to just get by at the position.
Tight end Noah Gray: Kelce’s return means one more year in limbo for Noah Gray. He won’t be the team’s top tight end, and hasn’t really proven he’s the guy anyway. He does carry a significant contract for the next couple of seasons, so he could be at risk of being replaced in his current role. Can Gray bounce back this season, or is he on his way out of KC?
Who are some of your personal winners and losers from this week of free-agency action? Let us know in the comments!
