Chiefs have whopping 21 players eligible for unrestricted free agency.
The Chiefs have 21 players eligible for unrestricted free agency. They own NFL’s worst cap situation and they enter the draft with the ninth-overall pick, their most valuable draft asset since 2012.Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown reaches for a pass in front of Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesDec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker James Williams tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images But they also got good news Friday afternoon, a league memo projecting the 2026 salary cap at more than $300 million per club. That news came a month after It’s something they haven’t had since 2014: A season without a playoff berth, and plenty of time before the scouting combine to reset the roster. That time is gold, too. Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images“Look, when you go as far as we have,” Spagnuolo said last month, referring to Kansas City’s deep playoff runs, “that's a month and a week of looking at pro personnel across the league, looking at draft. “I can remember going to a number of these combines recently, where I knew very little about the guys that we were sitting with and talked to. And then, what you gain here is when you go out there and you talk to these players, now you have a little bit of an idea who they are and what they've done. Because you've probably seen a little bit of film on them.” There’ll be plenty of film rolling at Chiefs headquarters in coming weeks. And while some of the team’s coaches, scouts and personnel executives are evaluating college prospects, others are hard at work finalizing grades and valuations on free agents Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesIn the meantime, trades could be revealed by insiders, but none will become official until the league year begins on that second Wednesday in March. Draft season is here, Chiefs Kingdom. But you’ve found your No. 1 selection with OnSI. Plus, don’t forget to register for a FREE newsletter with the latest information emailed each day …Since his freshman year at the University of Colorado, Zak Gilbert has worked 30 years in sports, including 18 NFL seasons. He's spent time with four NFL teams, serving as head of communications for both the Raiders and Browns. A veteran of nine Super Bowls, he most recently worked six seasons in the NFL's New York league office. He now serves as the Kansas City Chiefs Beat Writer On SI
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