News Chiefs Team Notes

[Kansas City Chiefs]

NFL 2025 free-agency tracker: WR Mike Williams returns to Chargers; Steelers sign CB Darius Slay

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

We’re keeping you up to date on all the news from free agency.

We’re tracking all of the free agency action relating to the Kansas City Chiefs — and the rest of the NFL — right here.

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Free agency rumors and roster moves so far
All times are Arrowhead Time​

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Wednesday, March 12​

• 8:26 p.m. Chargers returning WR Mike Williams to Los Angeles with a 1-year deal worth up to $6 million, per report.
• 7:49 p.m. Vikings re-sign S Harrison Smith to a 14th season with a one-year deal worth up to $14 million, per report.
• 7:42 p.m. Ravens cut S Marcus Williams, designating him as a post 6/1 release, per report.
• 7:34 p.m Titans acquire former Seahawks DL Dre’Mont Jones with a one-year, $10 million deal. per report.
• 6:33 p.m. Commanders land former Patriots CB Jonathan Jones with a one-year contract worth up to $6.5 million, per report.
• 6:05 p.m. Panthers sign former Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle to one-year deal worth $6.3 million, per report.
• 5:49 p.m. Chiefs sign DE Malik Herring to a one-year contract, per report.
• 5:35 p.m. Jets release LB CJ Mosley, per report.
• 4:51 p.m. Eagles get former Packers RB A.J. Dillon on a one-year deal, per report.
• 4:19 p.m. Chiefs tender LB Jack Cochrane and CB Nazeeh Johnson with restricted free agent ROFR contracts, per report.
• 4:16 p.m. Jets sign former Steelers (and Patriots) OT Chukwuma Okorafor, per report.
• 4:10 p.m. Titans trade LB Kenneth Murray Jr. and seventh-round pick to Cowboys for sixth-round pick, per report.
• 4:08 p.m. Titans acquire veteran guard Kevin Zeitler with a one-year, $9 million deal, per report.
• 3:54 p.m. Chargers sign veteran LB Denzel Perryman to a one-year, $3.7 million deal, per report.
• 3:51 p.m. Seahawks land former Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence with a three-year deal worth $42 million, per report.
• 3:45 p.m. Giants re-sign former Chiefs WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, per report.
• 3:41 p.m. Browns cut former Chiefs S Juan Thornhill as post-June 1 release, per report.
• 3:41 p.m. Former Steelers QB Russell Wilson will visit Browns and Giants this week, per report.
• 3:37 p.m. Steelers sign former Eagles CB Darius Slay to a one-year, fully-guaranteed $10 million contract, per report.
• 3:13 p.m. Broncos sign former Jaguars TE Evan Engram to a two-year deal worth $23 million, per report.
• 3:06 p.m. Vikings acquire former 49ers DT Javon Hargrave with a two-year, $30 million deal, per report.
• 2:19 p.m. Jets announce they are releasing QB Aaron Rodgers at the beginning of the league year, per report.
• 2:14 p.m. Bills trade CB Kaair Elam and a sith-round pick to the Cowboys for a fifth and future seventh-round pick, per report.
• 1:02 p.m. Rams inform WR Cooper Kupp he is being released, per report.
• 1:00 p.m. Commanders re-sign QB Marcus Mariota to a one-year deal worth $8 million, per report.
• 12:13 p.m. Chargers re-signing LB Troy Dye to a two-year worth up to $8.5 million, per report.
• 11:56 a.m. Seahawks sign veteran WR (and former Chiefs player) Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, per report.
• 8:02 a.m. Bills sign former Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, per report.
• 7:30 a.m. Chiefs restructure contracts of QB Patrick Mahomes and DT Chris Jones to create $49.5 million in cap space, per report.

Tuesday, March 11​

• 8:22 p.m. Bills sign former Chargers DE Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract, per report.
• 7:37 p.m. 49ers land former Rams (and Chiefs) WR Demarcus Robinson with a two-year deal worth $9.5 million, per report.
• 7:08 p.m. Broncos sign veteran WR Trent Sherfield to a two-year, $8 million contract, per report.
• 6:51 p.m. Two-time Pro Bowl TE Evan Engram has visited both the Chargers and Broncos, per report.
• 6:08 p.m. Titans grab veteran safety Xavier Woods with a two-year, $10 million contract, per report.
• 6:04 p.m. Ravens land veteran WR (and former Chiefs player) DeAndre Hopkins with a one-year, $6 million deal, per report.
• 4:34 p.m. Cardinals sign QB Jacoby Brissett to his seventh NFL team, per report.
• 4:29 p.m. Chiefs sign veteran TE Robert Tonyan
• 4:13 p.m. Saints get former Chiefs safety Justin Reid on a three-year, $31.5 million deal, per report.
• 3:43 p.m. Falcons sign veteran DE Leonard Floyd to a one-year deal worth $10 million, per report, shortly after his release by 49ers.
• 3:13 p.m. Falcons re-sign veteran CB (and former Chiefs player) Mike Hughes to a three-year, $18 million deal, per report.
• 2:10 p.m. Saints re-sign TE Juwan Johnson to a three-year deal worth over $30 million, per report.
• 12:29 p.m. 49ers release veteran DE Leonard Floyd, per report.
• 11:11 a.m. Chiefs sign former Chargers CB Kristian Fulton to a two-year, $20 million contract with $15 million fully guaranteed, per report.
• 10:22 a.m. Buccaneers land former Broncos P Riley Dixon with two-year, $6 million deal, per report.
• 9:55 a.m. Colts acquire former Vikings QB Daniel Jones with a one-year, $14 million contract, per report.
• 9:31 a.m. Eagles trade S CJ Gardner-Johnson (and a 2026 sixth-round pick) to the Texans for G Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-rounder, per report.
• 8:25 a.m. Vikings acquire former Colts G Will Fries with a five-year, $88 million deal, per report.
• 7:06 a.m. Giants sign former Dolphins S Jevon Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million deal. per report.
• 6:58 a.m. Vikings acquire former Commanders DT Jonathan Allen with a three-year, $60 million contract, per report.

Monday, March 10​

• 10:15 p.m. Giants add former Cowboys DE Chauncey Golston on a three-year, $19.5 million deal, per report.
• 8:40 p.m. Jets sign former Jaguars safety Andre Cisco to a one-year contract worth $10 million, per report.
• 8:38 p.m. Vikings re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy, per report.
• 8:17 p.m. Chargers land former Steelers running back Najee Harris, per report.
• 8:12 p.m. Saints re-sign defensive end Chase Young, per report.
• 8:00 p.m. 49ers will release fullback Kyle Juszcyk, per report.
• 7:55 p.m. Chiefs re-sign long snapper James Winchester to a fully guaranteed one-year deal for $1.7 million, per report.
• 7:06 p.m. Chiefs re-sign LB Cole Christiansen to one-year deal, per report.
• 6:43 p.m. Colts bring back wide receiver Ashton Dulin, per report.
• 6:33 p.m. Broncos land former 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw, giving him a three-year deal worth $35 million, per report.
• 6:07 p.m. Bills add former Rams LB Michael Hoecht on a three-year deal worth up to $24 million, per report.
• 6:04 p.m. Giants re-sign WR Darius Slayton to a three-year, $36 million contract, per report.
• 5:36 p.m. Vikings get former Colts C Ryan Kelly on a two-year, $18 million deal, per source.
• 5:29 p.m. Panthers sign former Chiefs DT Tershawn Wharton to a three-year deal worth $54 million, per source.
• 5:27 p.m. Dolphins land former Broncos QB Zach Wilson with a one-year, fully-guaranteed deal worth as much as $10 million, per report.
• 4:51 p.m. Texans sign former Chiefs WR Justin Watson, per report.
• 4:41 p.m. Colts acquire former 49ers (and Chiefs) CB Charvarius Ward with a three-year deal worth up to $60 million, per source.
• 4:30 p.m. Eagles trade QB Kenny Pickett to the Browns for QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick, per report.
• 4:22 p.m. Titans get former Broncos LB Cody Barton on a three-year, $21 million contract, per source.
• 4:15 p.m. Panthers land former Rams DT Bobby Brown III with a three-year deal worth up to $27 million, per report.
• 3:40 p.m. Packers sign former Raiders CB Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million contract.
• 3:30 p.m. Jets acquire former Ravens CB Brandon Stephens with a three-year, $36 million deal, per report.
• 3:13 p.m. Panthers sign former Vikings DE Patrick Jones II to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, per report.
• 2:59 p.m. The Commanders are trading a package of draft picks for former Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, per report.
• 2:33 p.m. Packers sign former 49ers G Aaron Banks to a four-year contract worth $77 million, per report.
• 2:30 p.m. Bears sign DT Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $43.5 million contract shortly after his release from the Falcons, per report.
• 2:27 p.m. Jaguars sign former Ravens G Patrick Mekari to a three-year, $37.5 million contract, per report.
• 2:10 p.m. Cardinals claim former Eagles DE Josh Sweat with a four-year deal worth $76.4 million, per report.
• 2:08 p.m. Bills acquire former Chargers WR Josh Palmer with a three-year deal worth $36 million, per report.
• 2:07 p.m. Broncos sign former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year contract worth up to $45 million, per report.
• 2:05 p.m. Bengals bring back former Chiefs RB Samaje Perine on a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million, per report.
• 2:02 p.m. Jaguars sign former Commanders WR Dyami Brown to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million, per report.
• 1:49 p.m. Bears acquire former Colts DE Dayo Odeynigbo, giving him a three-year, $48 million contract, per report.
• 1:42 p.m. Colts land former Vikings safety Cam Bynum with a four-year contract worth $60 million, per report.
• 1:40 p.m. Jets sign former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields to two-year, $40 million contract, per report.
• 1:32 p.m. Giants sign former Saints CB Paulson Adebo to a three-year deal worth $54 million, per report.
• 1:30 p.m. Jaguars sign veteran CB (and former Chiefs player) Eric Murray to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million, per report.
• 1:22 p.m. Seahawks sign former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $110 million contract, per report.
• 1:20 p.m. Steelers release DT Larry Ogunjobi, per report.
• 1:16 p.m. Rams sign veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford to a three-year deal for just under $30 million, per report.
• 1:10 p.m. Patriots grab former Eagles DT Milton Williams with a four-year deal worth $104 million, per report.
• 1:04 p.m. Panthers sign former Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million contract, per report.
• 12:38 p.m. Vikings sign former Eagles CB Isaiah Rodgers to a two-year, $15 million deal, per report.
• 12:36 p.m. Lions land former Jets CB D.J. Reed with three-year, $48 million contract, per report.
• 12:28 p.m. Patriots sign veteran OT Morgan Moses to a three-year, $24 million deal, per report.
• 12:27 p.m. Texans sign veteran DB Tremon Smith (a former Chiefs player) to a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, per report — said to be biggest contract for core special-teams player.
• 12:08 p.m. Patriots sign former Lions CB Carlton Davis to a three-year, $60 million contract, per report.
• 12:00 p.m. Titans agree to terms with former Steelers LT Dan Moore, who gets a four-year, $82 million deal, per report.
• 11:56 a.m. Jaguars sign former Cowboys CB Jourdan Lewis to a three-year, $30 million contract, per report.
• 11:54 a.m. Patriots sign former Raiders LB Robert Spillane to three-year, $33 million deal, per report.
• 11:47 a.m. Rams re-sign QB Jimmy Garoppolo to a 1-year deal, per report.
• 11:33 a.m. Commanders sign former Jets DT Javon Kinlaw to a three-year, $45 million contract, per report.
• 11:28 a.m. Bengals re-sign DT B.J. Hill to a three-year, $33 million deal, per report.
• 11:24 a.m. Chiefs sign former 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million, per report.
• 11:19 a.m. Bears sign former Falcons center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal, per report.
• 11:10 a.m. Buccaneers re-sign WR Chris Godwin to a three-year, $66 million contract, per report.
• 11:06 a.m. Chiefs sign former 49ers’ offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal, including $21.2 million fully guaranteed, per source.
• 11:01 a.m. Buccaneers sign veteran linebacker Haason Reddick to a 1-year, $14 million deal, per report.
• 10:42 a.m. Former Commanders DT Jonathan Allen visiting with the Vikings, per source.
• 10:27 a.m. Cardinals re-sign guard Evan Brown to a two-year deal worth $11.5 million, per report.
• 9:56 a.m. The Buccaneers re-sign veteran guard Ben Bredeson to a three-year, $22 million deal, per report.
• 9:48 a.m. Pass rusher Khalil Mack is staying with the Chargers on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $18 million contract, per report.
• 9:31 a.m. The Panthers announced a contract extension for cornerback Jaycee Horn. Horn becomes the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, according to multiple reports.
• 9:27 a.m. The Falcons parted ways with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, per report.
• 6:25 a.m. The Patriots traded defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick, per report.
• 6:15 a.m. Signs continue to point to the Pittsburgh Steelers having interest in free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, per report.

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Chiefs news from free agency run-up​

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• Chiefs re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton to 3-year contract
• Chiefs re-sign wideout Hollywood Brown to 1-year contract
• 3 free-agent players the Chiefs could sign to ‘prove-it’ deals
• Chiefs make contract tenders to 2 exclusive rights free agents
• A free agent for each of the Chiefs’ offensive positions
• A free agent for each of the Chiefs’ defensive positions
• The Chiefs are trading Joe Thuney to the Bears
• Don’t expect the Chiefs to tender their pending restricted free agents
• Chiefs bring back linebacker for 2025 season
• Andy Reid and Brett Veach address offensive line ahead of Combine
• Making 11 offensive free agency decisions for the Chiefs

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...ker-news-trades-updates-reports-signings-more

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Elijah Mitchell should bring explosiveness to Chiefs’ run game

Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

The Chiefs added a good piece to the offense on the opening day of free agency.

It will always be important for the Kansas City Chiefs to address offense in free agency and the draft, especially the arsenal of skill-position players surrounding quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The team started that movement for the 2025 season by signing former San Francisco 49ers’ running back Elijah Mitchell in free agency. Soon to be 27 years old, Mitchell spent four seasons in and out of the 49ers’ lineup with injuries. Last preseason, Mitchell was placed on the Reserve/Injured list and missed 2024 with a severe hamstring injury.

The shortened campaigns followed a rookie season where Mitchell rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns, adding another 137 yards and a score as a receiver.

In 2022, Mitchell was joined by star running back Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, making him a part-time piece of the talented offense. He was an exciting playmaker when he was on the field. Here’s what Mitchell is bringing to the Chiefs:

Explosive runs​

Over the 2022 and 2023 regular seasons, Mitchell averaged 4.7 yards per rush over 120 attempts. 15 of those carries resulted in 10 yards or more. For comparison, the Chiefs’ running backs totaled 17 runs of 10 or more yards over 359 rushes in 2024.

Gotta go back to 2022 to find these plays, but Elijah Mitchell gets into high gear quickly and is explosive with a seam pic.twitter.com/rbjQqPCs7G

— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 11, 2025​

When given a seam, Mitchell quickly accelerates to top gear and flies by flat-footed defenders reaching out. The angles of pursuing defenders can be erased with the ability to suddenly go from 0 to 60.

That long-form burst showed up at the University of Louisana Pro Day before the 2021 NFL Draft: Mitchell was hand-timed between 4.32 and 4.38 seconds.

#Chiefs signed RB Elijah Mitchell, the former 49er who has been injury plagued the last few seasons

When you look at his 2023 runs, you see an explosive runner (4.35 Pro Day 40) that uses that built-up speed to run through arm tackles at the 2nd level pic.twitter.com/IHgN2FuaYw

— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 10, 2025​

In the 49ers’ run scheme, Mitchell was best on outside runs, whether a toss or stretch handoff. His speed gets him to the front edge of the blocking with good timing and keeps him away from backside pursuit. Once he gets to the corner, he uses the linear burst to fly upfield before linebackers and safeties can get all the way over.

Ball-carrier vision​

The experience Mitchell gained in the 49ers’ system can be valuable for the Chiefs’ run game. 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan runs inside and outside zone as well as any coach, and the Chiefs tend to lean on those play calls themselves.

Mitchell gained a lot of experience in the 49ers' heavy-zone run scheme

Love his read of the LB flow on both of these, finishes his runs HARD pic.twitter.com/4LukM9uJEH

— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 10, 2025​

On these two runs, Mitchell has good eyes as he approaches the line initially. He feels the linebackers flow to the front side and cuts back efficiently. He shows a strong understanding of the approach to zone runs and how precise the timing has to be to maximize the cutback lane.

More Mitchell runs, these from 2022

Whether it's vision or quick re-direction, he has good reps of navigating mucky boxes pic.twitter.com/Fp23qufwhn

— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 11, 2025​

These runs show more examples of Mitchell quickly deciphering traffic and navigating it to make the most of mucky run lanes. He looks smooth, changing direction and still maintaining forward momentum.

How he fits with the Chiefs​

Mitchell will add to the Chiefs’ run game — and he has the skill set to make impactful catches out of the backfield. However, Mitchell projects to primarily run as an early-down or short-yardage running back in Kansas City. He is not a clear fit for the pass-down role.

Mitchell definitely projects as primarily a 1st / 2nd / short-down back for the #Chiefs

Not the most assertive, confident in pass pro pic.twitter.com/9Q3kALIbaH

— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 11, 2025​

As a pass blocker, Mitchell plays timidly and is not as assertive as pass-protecting backs need to be to keep free-running defenders off the quarterback. He is not as physically built as other running backs, so it’s more difficult to expect him to hold up in situations like the running backs Samaje Perine and Jerick McKinnon have done in the past.

The bottom line​

The Chiefs’ run offense needs to be more explosive, and Mitchell helps toward that goal. When he is on the field, he is a threat to gash defenses — especially the light boxes constantly used by opponents of the Chiefs.

The result of this transaction will depend on the health of Mitchell, who has dealt with a handful of injuries over the last three years.

With that in mind, the Chiefs should not be done looking at improving the position. Mitchell’s presence should not stop the Chiefs from making further moves, whether it's another free agent or the draft.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...should-bring-explosiveness-to-chiefs-run-game

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs sign quarterback Gardner Minshew

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Kansas City has a new backup passer.

On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Kansas City Chiefs had agreed to terms with quarterback Gardner Minshew — meaning a new backup behind superstar Patrick Mahomes.

Sources: Free-agent QB Gardner Minshew reached agreement today on a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. A new backup for Patrick Mahomes. pic.twitter.com/2CNbhoEM2g

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025​

The 28-year-old Minshew originally entered the league as a sixth-round draft selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. Ironically, the Washington State product’s first NFL action came against the Chiefs in that year’s season opener as the rookie entered the game in relief of injured starter Nick Foles.

After two seasons in Jacksonville, Minshew was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. From there, he had auditions as a starter with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and the Las Vegas Raiders last season.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Minshew has started 46 games over his career. In nine starts with the Raiders last season, he thew for 2013 yards with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions. His season ended with a broken collarbone sustained in Week 12.

At the start of the league year Wednesday, the Raiders released Minshew with a failed physical designation.

While terms of Minshew’s contract have not been released, the Chiefs might be getting the quarterback at minimal cost. Minshew was owed $3.2 million in guaranteed salary from the Raiders in 2025. Assuming standard contract offset language, Kansas City could pay him only the $1.2 million veteran minimum salary — with that amount then deducted from the compensation he will eventually receive from the Raiders.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/3/13/24383067/chiefs-sign-quarterback-gardner-minshew

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs bring back Bailey Zappe to round out quarterback room, per report

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Zappe is back with the Chiefs after a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns.

A day after agreeing to a one-year deal with Gardner Minshew, the Kansas City Chiefs have brought back quarterback Bailey Zappe. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Zappe’s contract is also for one year.

The #Chiefs are re-signing QB Bailey Zappe to a one-year deal, per source.

So Kansas City’s QB room now includes Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew and Zappe, the former #Patriots draft pick who finished last season in KC. pic.twitter.com/WIMcMcD0dz

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2025​

Zappe, 25, entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft. In late August of last year, the Patriots cut Zappe, and he was scooped up by the Chiefs, remaining on their practice squad until mid-October.

Following a season-ending injury to their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns signed Zappe from Kansas City’s practice squad. Zappe made a single start for the Browns in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens. He went 16 of 31 for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the 35-10 loss.

While Minshew is expected to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup on the 53-man roster, Zappe should compete with Chris Oladokun for the third-string position.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...news-kansas-city-qb-room-signing-bailey-zappe

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs sign defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, per report

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Kansas City is adding some depth up front.

According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran defensive lineman Jerry Tillery to a one-year contract on Friday. Terms of the agreement have not been released.

Sources: The #Chiefs are signing former #Chargers 1st-round DT Jerry Tillery to a 1-year deal.

Good depth add to the Kansas City D-Line, as Tillery has recorded 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 50 career starts. pic.twitter.com/9aysyt3zdK

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2025​

Tillery was a first-round selection (28th overall) of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 NFL Draft. His best season in Los Angeles came in 2021 as he played 79% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps and totaled 4.5 sacks. After declining his fifth-year option, the Chargers waived him during the 2022 campaign.

Tillery finished the 2022 season with the Las Vegas Raiders after being claimed on waivers. After sticking in Las Vegas for 2023, he was a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

For his career, Tillery has appeared in 96 games with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

The Chiefs will need to replace a number of defensive line snaps in 2025. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is now a member of the Carolina Panthers. Defensive end Charles Omenihu and defensive tackles Mike Pennel and Derrick Nnadi remain unsigned in free agency.

Although his career may not have justified his draft selection, Tillery has frequently lined up both on the outside and inside of the defensive line in his NFL career. That versatility makes him a candidate for at least a rotational role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/3/14/24386028/report-chiefs-sign-defensive-lineman-jerry-tillery

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

In new mock draft, a 33rd Team writer sends a tackle to the Chiefs

Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In his new mock, James Foster sends a familiar face to Kansas City.

On Friday, The 33rd Team’s James Foster published a mock draft that sends a familiar face to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 31st pick of the first round.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: T Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

Kansas City selects Josh Conerly Jr., which has become the “Free Space” of NFL mock drafts. Conerly Jr. is a left tackle with light feet to take mirror pass rushers on an island. While he was undersized early in his career, he bulked up to 313 pounds in 2024 and meets every threshold in terms of size, length, and athleticism.

With his selection of Conerly, Foster stays in familiar territory. The Oregon tackle is currently the player most frequently mocked to the Chiefs at 31. And if the team believes he is the best player available when they go on the clock, he might very well be the pick.

But now that the Chiefs have signed former San Francisco 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, they might not want to go that way in the first round — particularly since this draft is widely believed to have lots of talent on the defensive line, where Kansas City still needs plenty of help.

So we expect that in the weeks to come, we’ll see more mock drafts that send defensive linemen to Kansas City — unless general manager Brett Veach has some other tricks up his sleeve as free agency continues.

National Mock Draft Positions​

[td]

Position​

[/td]​

[td]

Pct​

[/td]​

[td]

Offensive line​

[/td]​

[td]

51%​

[/td]​

[td]

Defensive tackle​

[/td]​

[td]

20%​

[/td]​

[td]

Edge rusher​

[/td]​

[td]

11%​

[/td]​

[td]

Defensive back​

[/td]​

[td]

7%​

[/td]​

[td]

Wide receiver​

[/td]​

[td]

7%​

[/td]​

[td]

Tight end​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

​

National Mock Draft Picks​

[td]

Pos​

[/td]​

[td]

Name​

[/td]​

[td]

School​

[/td]​

[td]

Pct​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Josh Conerly Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Oregon​

[/td]​

[td]

18%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Josh Simmons​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

13%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Donovan Jackson​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

11%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Aireontae Ersery​

[/td]​

[td]

Minnesota​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Derrick Harmon​

[/td]​

[td]

Oregon​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Tyleik Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Kenneth Grant​

[/td]​

[td]

Michigan​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Darius Alexander​

[/td]​

[td]

Toledo​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Nic Scourton​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas A&M​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

WR​

[/td]​

[td]

Emeka Egbuka​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Cameron Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Marcus Mbow​

[/td]​

[td]

Purdue​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Walter Nolen​

[/td]​

[td]

Mississippi​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mike Green​

[/td]​

[td]

Marshall​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Jared Ivey​

[/td]​

[td]

Mississippi​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

James Pearce, Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Tennessee​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Azareye’h Thomas​

[/td]​

[td]

Florida State​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Shavon Revel, Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

East Carolina​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Maxwell Hairston​

[/td]​

[td]

Kentucky​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

WR​

[/td]​

[td]

Matthew Golden​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

TE​

[/td]​

[td]

Colston Loveland​

[/td]​

[td]

Michigan​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

TE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mason Taylor​

[/td]​

[td]

LSU​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

​

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...aft-mock-sends-josh-conerly-jr-to-kansas-city

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs bringing JuJu Smith-Schuster back for 2025, per report

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kansas City has re-signed the ninth-year wideout to his third season with the team.

According to a report from Jordan Schultz. the Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a one-year contract.

BREAKING: The #Chiefs are re-signing WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX.

A key weapon for Patrick Mahomes stays in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/NH1xfzn9Xi

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 15, 2025​

Schultz also reported that the ninth-year wideout — who is just 28 — had interest from other teams, but wanted to remain with the Chiefs. No additional details about his contract were immediately available.

Kansas City first wanted to sign the former USC wide receiver in 2021, after he had finished his rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But despite being wooed by head coach Andy Reid, Smith-Schuster chose to remain with the team that had drafted him in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, signing a one-year, $8 million contract to remain in Pittsburgh.

But in Week 5 of that season, he suffered a severe shoulder injury that kept him on the Steelers’ Reseve/Injured list until the team’s 42-21 Wild Card loss to the Chiefs. The following offseason, Kansas City signed him to a one-year, $10.75 million “prove-it” contract that carried $7 million in incentives.

That season, he led the Chiefs’ wide receivers with 933 yards and three touchdowns on the way to the team’s victory in Super Bowl LVII, which was enough proof for the New England Patriots to sign Smith-Schuster to a three-year, $33 million contract.

But he never caught on in New England, where he recorded only 29 catches for 260 yards (and one touchdown) over 11 games in 2023. After the Patriots released him the following August, Kansas City re-signed him for 2024.

It seems that Smith-Schuster now knows when he is at home.

“Feels great to be back here, man,” he said before Super Bowl LIX in February. “It’s a blessing.”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...roster-juju-smith-schuster-re-signed-for-2025

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Can you guess this Chiefs tight end in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chiefs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Pride of Detroit in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Arrowhead Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, March 15, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Arrowhead Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chiefs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/3/16/24386978/sb-nation-chiefs-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Arrowheadlines: The Chiefs have a great quarterback room

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Chiefs headlines for Saturday, March 15

The latest​

2025 NFL mock draft: Giants trade up to No. 1 while Steelers also take QB; Raiders and Cowboys add playmakers | CBS Sports

Round 1 - Pick 31

Walter Nolen DL

Ole Miss • Jr • 6’4” / 296 lbs

Tershawn Wharton is gone and Chris Jones isn’t getting any younger, so the Chiefs must address the interior of their defensive line. Walter Nolen probably should have been taken earlier than this, as he’s an undersized but extremely disruptive interior defender with plenty of room to grow.

Five Things to Know About New Chiefs RB Elijah Mitchell | The Mothership

2. He tallied 1,100 yards from scrimmage in 11 games back in 2021.

Mitchell was among the top playmakers in the NFL as a rookie in 2021 with 1,100 yards and six touchdowns in just 11 games. He topped 100 scrimmage yards in five of those games and recorded at least 50 scrimmage yards in each of them.

In fact, only the Steelers’ Najee Harris and the Broncos’ Javonte Williams recorded more scrimmage yards among rookie running backs in 2021 than Mitchell.

Injuries – and the arrival of Christian McCaffrey in 2022 – got in the way of another big season for Mitchell in the years since, but he still played well when healthy, averaging 4.7 yards-per-carry since the beginning of the 2022 season.

Friday’s free-agency winners, losers: Star WR finds new home | Yardbarker

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs depth

The Chiefs made a couple of smaller depth signings on Friday, bringing back running back Kareem Hunt on a one-year deal and signing Bailey Zappe for some additional quarterback depth. They are not league-altering moves by any stretch, but solid depth at a couple of key positions. With Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew and Zappe the Chiefs have one of the league’s best quarterback rooms with a future Hall of Famer and two very capable backups.

Chiefs Have to Protect Patrick Mahomes At All Costs in 2025 | Arrowhead Report

Host of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith says that the Chiefs must protect Mahomes at all cost.

“First of all, Patrick Mahomes. One of the primary things the Chiefs have to address is their left tackle situation. Because you had four dudes playing that position this past season. And then you act like you have come to the rescue of Patrick Mahomes about going out and getting Jaylon Moore, who has been a backup. I do not know if that is the answer to the problem.”

“What I am saying is this, when you look at Patrick Mahomes whether or not they have left him down. The number one thing they have to do for the quarterback is to protect him. Number two what you also have to do, you got to remember, you got to get a running game.”

Around the NFL​

Sources - Bengals making progress on Chase, Higgins deals | ESPN

The team’s front office is actively working to get wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signed to contract extensions as quickly as possible, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday afternoon. Progress on the deals for Chase, who is entering the final season of his contract, and Higgins, who received the franchise tag for the second straight year, has been made in recent days on long-term extensions.

When those finally hit the books, they could end up being massive. The expectation around the league is that Chase’s contract will average between $40.1 million to $41 million, sources told Schefter, which would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. That mark is currently held by Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who signed his four-year extension worth $40 million per season Friday.

Chargers Sign Former Eagles, Jets Lineman Mekhi Becton to Two-Year Deal | SI

On Friday night, the team announced the signing of free agent guard Mekhi Becton. Becton spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a big role in helping pave the way for Saquon Barkley. Per ESPN’s Tim McManus, the deal is for two years. The big lineman entered the league in 2020 and has appeared in 31 games over the last two years.

Becton, 25, was one of the cooler stories of the 2024 NFL season. The former first-round pick struggled mightily in his first four NFL seasons with the New York Jets, beginning his career as an offensive tackle for Gang Green. The Jets declined his fifth-year option and Becton hit free agency this time last year; he remained unsigned until after the 2024 NFL draft, when he inked a one-year agreement with the Eagles.

Browns’ Myles Garrett says he doesn’t regret trade request, goal remains to bring title to Cleveland | NFL.com

Garrett might have some fences to mend in Cleveland, though, especially after going on a rather aggressive media tour to express how badly he wanted to get out of town, irritating scores of Browns fans along the way. He won’t extend an olive branch, but said Friday he intends to do so with his play on the field.

“No, I mean from Day 1, I’ve always said that I’ve wanted to bring a championship to northeast Ohio,” Garrett said Friday. “So that didn’t change my stance. I’m just gonna continue to turn those opinions around or reinforce those opinions by going out there and doing what I’ve always done: going out and making plays, being a great teammate, great leader and being the best person I can be on the field and off the field for the Cleveland Browns.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Chiefs Roster: RB Kareem Hunt returning for another season

Taken by the Chiefs in the third round (86th overall) in 2017’s NFL Draft, the former Toledo back led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards — along with 455 receiving yards — as a rookie. But after 11 games of the 2018 season — during which Hunt had maintained a similar pace — Kansas City abruptly released him when it learned he had been less than truthful with them about an offseason incident in his hometown of Cleveland.

After five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Hunt was out of the game at the age of 29 — until the Chiefs’ starting running back Isiah Pacheco was injured in 2024’s second game.

At the urging of his agent, Hunt texted head coach Andy Reid.

“I shot [Reid] a text, and I just was telling him like, ‘I’ve been grinding, man. You know I’m hungry, and you know I want to come help y’all,” he later recounted. “So, if y’all got a spot for me, I’ll come put in the work.’ He said he’d get back to me — and he ended up getting back to me like one hour later. Two hours later, he told me to get ready for a flight.”

Social media to make you think​

Joe Thuney penned a message to the Chiefs coaches, staff and teammates.

“You made my life so much easier … it was an honor and privilege to play and fight beside you.” pic.twitter.com/nZSHRRU8ZV

— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) March 14, 2025​

Follow Arrowhead Pride on Social Media​

• Facebook: Click here to like our page
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• AP Staff on X: see complete list
• Sports Radio 810 on X: Follow @SportsRadio810

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...ines-the-chiefs-have-a-great-quarterback-room

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

The Chiefs met with a Toledo DT who has the physical profile, but is inconsistent

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Kansas City needs help in the defensive trenches. Could Alexander be the answer?

During the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, it was reported that the Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander had a formal meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Toledo DL Darius Alexander told me he’s had a formal meeting with the Chiefs here are the NFL Combine. pic.twitter.com/pP4yW7dyuk

— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) February 26, 2025​

A long and explosive physical specimen who wins with his first step and heavy hands, Alexander’s athleticism was on full display at the Combine, where he posted a RAS score of 9.72.

Darius Alexander is a DT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.72 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 51 out of 1812 DT from 1987 to 2025.

Splits proected, Times unofficial.https://t.co/9jqiI60e3m pic.twitter.com/qpBwVYK6wi

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 27, 2025​

This is an impressive score when you consider that Alexander has been knocked for his weight. At the Combine, he checked in at 6 feet 4 and 305 pounds, with 34-inch arms and 10-inch hands.

Background​

In the classic film “Tommy Boy,” Chris Farley famously says, “Hey man... a lot of people go to college for seven years.”

Darius Alexander, in team interviews, is talking about why he is going to be a rookie with an AARP membership. pic.twitter.com/5cfTirB6Z7

— Rocky Magaña (a pleasant son of a buck) (@RockyMagana) March 16, 2025​

While Alexander isn’t quite Tommy Boy, he’s not far off. He will be 25 in his rookie season, which means if that if he is a first-round pick, he might not hit free agency until he’s 30.

This is mostly because it took time for him to develop. Coming out of high school in 2019, he was a two-star, 216-pound defensive end prospect who was ranked 126th nationwide among weak-side defensive ends. Toledo was the only school to make him an offer.

Since then, Alexander has gained 90 pounds and grown into his frame. For a player like him, the main concern is how much further he can go until reaching his ceiling.

Film evaluation​

On tape, Alexander’s athleticism jumps off the screen. He has a quick first step, great lateral agility for his size, adequate power and active hands.

I am now Darius Alexander's biggest fan pic.twitter.com/qODBQ4VVxu

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) January 31, 2025​

Just the same, Alexander can sometimes be inconsistent. If he does not win early in the rep, he tends to stall out or get washed out of the play. He can also struggle with gap discipline in the running game. And there’s one more problem: a lot of his film is against lower-level competition. There is a very big jump from the MAC to the NFL.

Hey Darius Alexander pic.twitter.com/HLsI3nU1Ns

— Steven (@Steven_Pavelka) March 7, 2025​

That being said, Alexander plays the game with fire in his gut — and when he’s on, he can set the tone for the entire defense. But his production tends to come in bunches. His game against Miami of Ohio was the season’s only matchup where he tallied more than three solo tackles. Yet against Bowling Green, he put up goose eggs across the stat line.

https://t.co/aSjM7lr1Rg pic.twitter.com/IliZmT52rB

— Rocky Magaña (a pleasant son of a buck) (@RockyMagana) March 16, 2025​

At Senior Bowl practices — with all of the NFL’s eyes upon him — Alexander dominated his one-on-one reps, showcasing the power of his club and swim moves. While these one-on-ones are fun to watch, they’re still just practice; they aren’t necessarily an indication of whether a player will make the transition to the NFL.

How he fits with the Chiefs​

With Tershawn Wharton leaving in free agency — and Mike Pennel getting a little long in the tooth — the Chiefs need another dynamic playmaker next to Chris Jones on the defensive interior. But Alexander doesn’t get to the quarterback with any consistency — and this draft is very deep at defensive tackle.

The bottom line​

You have uncles who are younger than Alexander. His age — mixed with his inconsistent production against less-than-elite competition — makes me wonder if he’s close to maxing out his potential. If we’re talking about Kansas City’s first-round pick at 31, I think I’d go a different direction. But based on his athletic profile, I wouldn’t mind taking a swing on him if he’s still hanging around at 63.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...-has-the-physical-profile-but-is-inconsistent

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Justin Reid, Joe Thuney say goodbye to Kansas City

Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images

Reid is now a member of the New Orleans Saints, while Thuney heads to the Chicago Bears.

NFL free agency rolled along over the weekend, with now-former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi signing with the New York Jets.

Safety Justin Reid left for the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday of last week, and in early March, the Chiefs traded left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears.

Responding to a Chiefs’ post with a quote-post on X, Reid kept his message to Kansas City brief:

Will always love you Kansas City! https://t.co/GqHkRtHowp

— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) March 15, 2025​

“Will always love you, Kansas City!” wrote Reid, adding two ring emojis commemorating back-to-back championships.

Thuney shared his note to Kansas City via his official Instagram account.

“I wanted to express my gratitude to Chiefs Kingdom for the past 4 years,” wrote Thuney. “You embraced me with open arms and the support and encouragement has been incredible. Thank you to the Hunt family for giving me the opportunity to play in Kansas City. Thank you to Coach Reid, Coach Heck, Coach Matthaei, the rest of the coaching staff, all those in the training room, weight room, equipment room, dining hall, and everyone else in the building — you made my life so much easier and I hope I was able to give you something back. To my teammates, it was an honor and privilege to play and fight beside you. I hope you felt and knew that I gave everything I had to you and this game. All good things must come to an end, and the journey continues. Bear Down!”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...tin-reid-bears-joe-thuney-goodbye-kansas-city

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Justin Reid nearly signed with the Eagles in free agency

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

On Monday, the former Kansas City safety discussed his free agency decision with Kay Adams.

When safety Justin Reid joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent in 2022, he was coming to a team responsible for a devestating playoff defeat to his former team: the Houston Texans. The Chiefs had famously come back from a 24-0 deficit to defeat the Texans 51-31 in a 2020 Divisional Round matchup.

On Monday’s episode of the “Up and Adams Show” on FanDuel Sports Network, Reid told host Kay Adams that he nearly repeated this history by joining the Philadelphia Eagles during this free agency — despite their humiliating 40-22 win over Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX.

“Pretty close, actually,” he confirmed of his talks to join the Eagles. “Me and the defensive backs coach there have a really good relationship. The defensive system is the same system I ran at Stanford. That whole Vic Fangio system — I know it pretty well. The conversations were pretty intense. The only drawback is they were so limited in cap space that we couldn’t make a deal that made sense. But the conversation was happening.”

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Ultimately, Reid signed with the New Orleans Saints on March 11. He held out hope of rejoining the Chiefs — and staying with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive backs coach Dave Merritt — even as the new league year unfolded.

“They were in the conversation too,” he said of Kansas City. “I was also texting coach Spags and Coach Merritt the whole time along the process to see if something could be worked out. The only constant thing in this business is change. That’s the only thing that’s ever the same year to year is that things are always changing. I don’t think it was from a lack of ‘want to’ on either side but rather just a product of the situation and what salary cap space was available and what moves were the emphasis of the offseason to go out and make.”

Reid pinpointed the moment he knew that staying with the Chiefs would not be possible.

“Early that second day of free agency,” he recalled. “I was actually trying to wait. I was trying to wait to buy time to see if we could get something worked out. Then the cards unfolded, and it just didn’t work out. Then you have to end up making the next best decision for yourself. That’s why I ended up choosing the Saints.”

The Saints have a strong recent history of signing former Kansas City defensive players. Reid will now be reunited with fellow safety Tyrann Mathieu — his one-time teammate in Houston who preceded him as the voice of the Chiefs’ secondary while in Kansas City from 2019 through 2021.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Reid confirmed the player known as “The Honey Badger” is partially responsible for his signing in New Orleans.

“We’ve always stayed in contact,” he acknowledged. “He’s been one hell of a leader. To this day, he gives the best pregame speeches and hype speeches that I’ve ever heard in my life. Knowing that I had a partner that I could trust and already had chemistry [with] played a role.”

In a message for Chiefs fans, Reid showed no negativity for the organization — and acknowledged the difficult personnel decisions that are made throughout the league.

“It’s always all love,” the two-time Super Bowl champion declared. “There’s no animosity. There’s no hate. I’ve never had a bad relationship with any of the teams I’ve played for. I still love the Texans. I still love the Chiefs. I still love the cities in both of those places. It’s not something to be personal about.

“The NFL is a business at the end of the day. If you approach it as such, you don’t get your feelings hurt.

“To all the Chiefs fans out there: I still love you. I’m still so proud of the things I was able to do with you the last three years. It was one hell of a journey. It was an incredible run. I’ll still be cheering you guys on from afar — unless we’re playing on the same field.”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...-agency-justin-reid-nearly-signed-with-eagles

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

In Mel Kiper’s mock draft 3.0, the Chiefs get an offensive tackle

Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images

In his latest mock, the longtime ESPN draft analyst sends Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to Kansas City

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper published his third mock draft, which sent a tackle to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 31st pick of the first round.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: T Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

This could easily be Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr., who is right behind Banks on my offensive tackle rankings and a potential first-rounder. Honestly, either player would be a good pick. The Chiefs’ pass protection issues were on full display during the Super Bowl, and signing Jaylon Moore — a backup in San Francisco before getting a two-year deal with the Chiefs — is no guarantee to solve anything. Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia and D.J. Humphries weren’t the answers, and Joe Thuney — who was a stopgap fix in moving outside from guard — is now in Chicago.

Banks has the traits to help fortify Patrick Mahomes’ protection. Perhaps Banks wins the left tackle job over Moore. Maybe he replaces Jawaan Taylor on the right side. And maybe he even kicks inside to Thuney’s vacated guard spot. Regardless of where he plays, Banks’ experience (42 college starts), quickness and power would be welcomed in Kansas City.

In his 1.0 mock in January, the longtime ESPN draft analyst had the Chiefs taking Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen. In his next one at the end of February, he thought Kansas City would get Minnesota tackle Aireontae Ersery.

But in this 3.0 edition, both Nolen and Ersery are still on the board when the Chiefs go on the clock. Nolen goes to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 32nd pick, while Ersery remains available for the second round — and Kansas City gets a tackle that no other analyst has picked for the team this season.

Honestly... I’m not buying it. If the Chiefs had signed D.J. Humphries or Donovan Smith to a one-year deal for $5-10 million, I could see them spending their first-round pick on a tackle. But the team gave Moore a two-year, $30 million contract — and it’s almost universally understood that now, its biggest priority is along the defensive line. Would Kansas City pass on Nolen at 31? Would it fail to go after DT Kenneth Grant (taken by the Buffalo Bills at 30) or pass rusher James Pearce Jr. (selected by the Detroit Lions with the 28th pick)? I don’t think so.

National Mock Draft Positions​

[td]

Position​

[/td]​

[td]

Pct​

[/td]​

[td]

Offensive line​

[/td]​

[td]

50%​

[/td]​

[td]

Defensive tackle​

[/td]​

[td]

25%​

[/td]​

[td]

Edge rusher​

[/td]​

[td]

10%​

[/td]​

[td]

Defensive back​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

Wide receiver​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

Tight end​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

​

National Mock Draft Picks​

[td]

Pos​

[/td]​

[td]

Name​

[/td]​

[td]

School​

[/td]​

[td]

Pct​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Josh Conerly Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Oregon​

[/td]​

[td]

15%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Josh Simmons​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

12%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Donovan Jackson​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

10%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Aireontae Ersery​

[/td]​

[td]

Minnesota​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Derrick Harmon​

[/td]​

[td]

Oregon​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Tyleik Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Walter Nolen​

[/td]​

[td]

Mississippi​

[/td]​

[td]

6%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Kenneth Grant​

[/td]​

[td]

Michigan​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

DT​

[/td]​

[td]

Darius Alexander​

[/td]​

[td]

Toledo​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Nic Scourton​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas A&M​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

WR​

[/td]​

[td]

Emeka Egbuka​

[/td]​

[td]

Ohio State​

[/td]​

[td]

4%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Cameron Williams​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Marcus Mbow​

[/td]​

[td]

Purdue​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

T​

[/td]​

[td]

Kelvin Banks Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

G​

[/td]​

[td]

Grey Zabel​

[/td]​

[td]

N. Dakota St.​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mike Green​

[/td]​

[td]

Marshall​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

Jared Ivey​

[/td]​

[td]

Mississippi​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

EDGE​

[/td]​

[td]

James Pearce Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

Tennessee​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Azareye’h Thomas​

[/td]​

[td]

Florida State​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Shavon Revel Jr.​

[/td]​

[td]

East Carolina​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

CB​

[/td]​

[td]

Maxwell Hairston​

[/td]​

[td]

Kentucky​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

WR​

[/td]​

[td]

Matthew Golden​

[/td]​

[td]

Texas​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

TE​

[/td]​

[td]

Colston Loveland​

[/td]​

[td]

Michigan​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

[td]

TE​

[/td]​

[td]

Mason Taylor​

[/td]​

[td]

LSU​

[/td]​

[td]

2%​

[/td]​

​

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...k-sends-tackle-kelvin-banks-jr-to-kansas-city

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

AP Premier: The Chiefs’ biggest questions after free agency’s first wave

What is Arrowhead Pride Premier? Arrowhead Pride Premier is our tri-weekly newsletter, one that provides analysis and exclusive insights directly from Arrowhead Stadium, delivered straight to your inbox. Below is a preview of the latest edition. Click here for the last preview.

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Answering the Chiefs’ 3 biggest questions after free agency’s first wave​

By Pete Sweeney

We talk about it on an annual basis: Every offseason, general manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs’ personnel team position the roster to be “Week 1 ready” before the NFL Draft even arrives.

Entering the free agency period, the Chiefs had glaring holes at left tackle, cornerback and running back – and Veach made the necessary external signings, bringing Jaylon Moore, Kristian Fulton and Elijah Mitchell aboard. Internally, Veach retained right guard Trey Smith, linebacker Nick Bolton and wide receiver Hollywood Brown, among others.

The Chiefs still face roster questions, but the free agency period has already altered them significantly. Below, our Rocky Magaña presents fresh ideas about the Chiefs’ draft strategy given the recent additions.

In this section, I’ll try to answer the three most pressing questions as the team enters the next phase of the offseason.

What’s Brett Veach’s plan along the defensive line?

It’s funny how talking points can rapidly shift in the offseason. Entering the offseason, every Chiefs fan wondered who might start for the team at left tackle in Week 1. I’ll get to more on that in a second, but as of right now, I would say the greatest question may be the plan along the defensive line.

Even after adding former Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and re-signing defensive end Malik Herring, the Chiefs’ line still feels thin.

Defensive tackle Turk Wharton left the Chiefs for the Carolina Panthers on a well-deserved lucrative contract, and longtime Kansas City defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi is now a member of the New York Jets. Inside-outside lineman Charles Omenihu remains a free agent.

I would like to see Omenihu back for the right price, and I imagine the Chiefs feel the same way. Instinct tells me Omenihu is holding out hope for the highest compensation possible, and it remains to be seen if that is feasible in Kansas City.

Veach was forward at the Scouting Combine, saying how much he liked the defensive line draft class. With all the moves the Chiefs have made, I think the defensive line is the team’s most likely position for their first-round pick at No. 31. With seven more picks the rest of the weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised if they add another one or two prospects along the line.

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What else is in this edition?​

• Pete answers two more of the Chiefs’ lingering offseason questions.
• Our Rocky Magaña addresses how Kansas City’s draft plans may have shifted following their signings in free agency.
• A link to the full hour-long episode of the “Editors Show” (preview below).

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The Editors Show​

Here is a preview of this week’s Editors Show featuring Pete Sweeney and John Dixon.

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What else is included in a subscription?​

During the offseason, we provide a weekly update on Wednesday, with additional coverage on major events, such as free agency and the NFL draft. During the season, You can expect 3 weekly newsletters, as outlined below:

• In our game preview newsletter on Thursdays, Pete shares his three thoughts heading into the game, Rocky Magaña highlights a pivotal matchup to watch — and John Dixon shares some background on one of the upcoming game’s biggest storylines.
• In our post-game newsletter, Pete shares his three thoughts stemming from each performance, Ron Kopp delivers his very first look at the film — and Jared Sapp captures everything being said about the turning point of the game.
• Brandon Kiley is our in-season Arrowhead Pride Premier Tuesday columnist.

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How to sign up for Arrowhead Pride Premier​

Subscribe today through this link for even more Chiefs coverage this season — and right now, we have a coupon code to give you 25% off for the entire year.

Enter coupon code PODCAST25 to receive 25% off your annual subscription.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...ggest-questions-after-free-agencys-first-wave

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs re-sign defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, per report

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

As the focus shifts from free agency to the draft, Kansas City continues to address depth.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu on Wednesday.

The #Chiefs are re-signing DL Marlon Tuipulotu, per his agents @NessMugrabi and @davidcanter of @aurasportsgroup. The former sixth-round pick of the #Eagles was on KC’s roster for most of the regular season in 2024. pic.twitter.com/QQJKF8JXCJ

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 19, 2025​

Tuipulotu — a 2021 sixth-round draft selection of the Philadelphia Eagles — signed with the Chiefs in September. He appeared in two Kansas City games in 2024, totaling four tackles. In his career, he has appeared in 30 games with three sacks and a fumble recovery to his credit. Tuipulotu was placed on Kansas City’s Reserve/Injured list with an undisclosed injury on January 10.

After the main wave of free agency, the defensive line has stood out as a roster weakness for the Chiefs. Although Tuipulotu saw very limited action during his one season in Kansas City, more opportunities could surface. The Chiefs have seen defensive tackles Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton depart as unrestricted free agents. Versatile defensive end Charles Omenihu remains unsigned.

Kansas City will almost certainly take advantage of a strong defensive line class in next month’s draft. But signings like Tuipulotu (and former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jerry Tillery) should give general manager Brett Veach the flexibility he needs to draft for value without being handcuffed to one position.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...r-defensive-tackle-marlon-tuipulotu-re-signed

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs’ salary cap comes into focus with new contract figures for 5 players

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Little by little, we’re learning how much salary-cap space Kansas City has available.

The Kansas City Chiefs got a head start on free agency, wrapping up a three-year contract for linebacker Nick Bolton just before free agency’s “legal tampering” period began.

Originally reported as a “flat deal” with $15 million per season, the cap specifics are a bit more complicated. Per the contract website Spotrac, most of Bolton’s 2025 money will come via a $12.8 million signing bonus to be spread over the three seasons. $4.3 million of the bonus will be charged to the salary cap in each of next three seasons.

For the coming season, Bolton will earn a fully guaranteed $2 million base salary plus a yearly $250,000 workout bonus — always considered likely-to-be-earned (LTBE) for accounting purposes. This gives the linebacker only a $6.5 million salary cap charge for 2025, while the remaining two seasons will have cap numbers of $19.25 million.

Bolton’s $14.75 million base salary for 2026 is also fully guaranteed.

The Chiefs were not done reinforcing the defense. On March 11, the team agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Kristian Fulton — last with the division rival Los Angeles Chargers. The reported contract terms were two years for $20 million. $15 million of his compensation was guaranteed at signing.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Spotrac now has the breakdown of Fulton’s contract, including his salary cap numbers for 2025 and 2026.

Fulton will earn $10 million in both seasons. For 2025, he will pair a $3.8 million guaranteed base salary with a $6 million signing bonus. The salary cap charge for the signing bonus will be split over the two seasons, with $3 million charged to each year’s limit. As with Bolton, Fulton is eligible for a $250,000 workout bonus, yielding a 2025 salary cap number of $7 million.

Fulton’s $10 million in 2026 earnings will come via a $9.8 million base salary combined with the same $250,000 workout bonus. With the remaining $3 million of his signing bonus applied to 2026, Fulton’s 2026 salary cap number will be $13 million.

$5 million of Fulton’s 2026 salary is guaranteed, meaning he will almost certainly not be a candidate to be cut for cap space a year from now. Because he only signed a two-year deal, an extension will be the only path to reducing Fulton’s 2026 salary cap figure.

Information is also available on some of the Chiefs’ minor signings.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Running back Elijah Mitchell agreed to terms with Kansas City almost immediately after the negotiating window opened last week. Originally reported as “up to $3.5 million,” Mitchell’s contract includes a $1.4 million base salary (with $1.1 million guaranteed) as well as a $250,000 signing bonus and a $100,000 workout bonus.

Mitchell can also earn $750,000 in per-game active roster bonuses ($44,118 for each game he dresses for). An additional $1 million is available for unspecified incentives that may be tied to rushing yard benchmarks or scoring thresholds. Because Mitchell did not accumulate any stats in 2024 while managing a hamstring injury, all incentives will be considered not-likely-to-be-earned (NLTBE). Any earned incentives will be applied to the 2026 salary cap.

We disagree with Spotrac’s estimated $2.2 million cap charge for Mitchell. The website includes 11 active game roster bonuses — the number of games Mitchell played in 2023 — as LTBE. Because Mitchell did not appear in any game in 2024, we believe the entire $750,000 will be categorized as NLTBE, leaving him with a salary cap charge of $1.75 million for 2025.

Kansas City also brought back quarterback Bailey Zappe after the Cleveland Browns declined to tender the passer as a restricted free agent. Zappe spent part of 2024 on the Chiefs’ practice squad before being signed to Cleveland’s active roster. Should Zappe make Kansas City’s 53-man roster out of training camp, he is in line for a $1.1 million salary — the minimum for players with three credited seasons. None of his scheduled salary is guaranteed.

The Chiefs will also be bringing back veteran tight end Robert Tonyan for at least part of the offseason. Tonyan is signed for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million, though none of the salary is guaranteed. Because of the veteran salary benefit, his earnings are charged to the cap at only $1.0 million — the minimum salary for players with two credited seasons. Because of his veteran status, Tonyan’s full salary will become guaranteed if he is on Kansas City’s 53-man roster for Week 1.

At this moment, contract figures are not available for quarterback Gardner Minshew, running back Kareem Hunt, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and defensive linemen Jerry Tillery, Marlon Tuipulotu, and Malik Herring.

With these revised contract numbers (and our best guesses for the cap hits of the six players for which Spotrac has not yet accounted), we estimate the Chiefs are under the league salary cap by between $14.1 million and $15.1 million — likely $15.1 million.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...focus-with-new-contract-figures-for-5-players

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs re-sign DE Charles Omenihu to 1-year deal

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Kansas City is bringing back another versatile defensive lineman.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing defensive end Charles Omenihu to a one-year contract.

Source: DE Charles Omenihu is returning to the Chiefs on a 1-year deal worth a maximum of $7 million. pic.twitter.com/LPNIfwRfbd

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2025​

Schefter says the deal is worth up to $7 million.

The 27-year-old Omenihu spent two and a half seasons with the Houston Texans, who drafted him in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He then spent a season and a half with the San Francisco 49ers before signing a two-year contract with Kansas City that was worth up to $20 million.

Unfortunately, Omenihu missed the first six games of the 2023 season under an NFL suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence while he was with 49ers.

He returned to the Chiefs in mid-October, collecting 31 tackles (19 solo, five for loss), eight sacks, 12 quarterback hits, two passes defensed and three forced fumbles over 14 games — but then suffered a torn ACL in the AFC Championship.

That injury kept him out until last season’s Black Friday matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Through the season’s final nine games, he accumulated just 15 tackles (10 solo, three for loss), two sacks, two quarterback hits, a pass defensed and two forced fumbles.

Omenihu was expected to go after a significant contract in free agency — but after missing 17 games over two seasons in Kansas City, it appears his market wasn’t as strong as he may have anticipated. He’ll now play on what amounts to a “prove-it” deal for the Chiefs, who will be hoping the versatile lineman will finally be able to put together a full season.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...ster-de-charles-omenihu-re-signed-1-year-deal

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

New Chiefs defensive lineman Jerry Tillery is glad to be around familiar faces

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

A former member of both the Chargers and Raiders, Kansas City’s new defensive lineman is familiar with his new team.

Each season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach seems to address glaring roster holes in free agency. This way, the team can use each draft selection to take the best available player — except at quarterback, of course.

So when the Chiefs lost defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi to free agency, that left two roster holes that might have left Kansas City handcuffed in April’s draft.

So on March 14, Kansas City signed veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery to help reinforce the line — which was bolstered again when versatile defensive end Charles Omenihu was re-signed on Thursday night.

Speaking to the media for the first time on Thursday afternoon, Tillery — who began his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders — addressed his familiarity with Kansas City.

“I’ve played against the Chiefs [in] six years of my career now,” he explained. “Four in L.A. and then two in Las Vegas. I’ve been to Kansas City a couple of times now.

“So I’ve been watching this team closely my whole career. Obviously they — I guess we, now — have been on the top of the AFC West for a long time. My job here is to continue that dominance.”

In Kansas City, Tillery is looking forward to lining up next to one of the league’s premier pass rushers: defensive lineman Chris Jones.

“[He’s] is an incredible player — someone who I am excited to play with,” said Tillery. “I’ve watched him over the years as well. [He’s] somebody at the top of our game, who’s doing it the best. So to watch this guy work — and to be with him? I think that type of player is someone who can raise everybody’s level. And Chris Jones is a great guy, so I’m excited to get to know him better — and even more excited to play with him.“

One other Kansas City player will need no introduction: linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was Tillery’s teammate at Notre Dame University and with the Chargers.

“Drue is one of the best guys I know,” said Tillery . “A great football player — [and] even better person. [He’s a] man of the Lord [and] loves his family. He’s doing it right — and he’s killing it on the football field as well.

“I know Drue’s had a lot of success here. I’m looking forward to getting back with Drue and playing with him again. “

But while he’s not acquainted with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Tillery is also excited about not having to stop him.

“Not having to try to defend this guy when the money is on the line? That’s going to be different,” said Tillery. “But to watch him cook — for our team on the same sideline — will definitely be a different experience.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...erry-tillery-glad-to-be-around-familiar-faces

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs sign cornerback Robert Rochell to one-year deal, per report

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Competition on special teams is coming to Kansas City.

On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Kansas City Chiefs have signed free-agent cornerback Robert Rochell. The agreement is reportedly a one-year contract.

Free-agent CB Robert Rochell, who spent last season with the Packers, reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Chiefs, per @UniSportsMgmt CEO Kevin Conner.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2025​

Rochell’s career got off to a great start after joining the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Central Arkansas product appeared in 11 games (five starts) and recorded an interception. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve late in his rookie season.

Since his first year in the league, Rochell has never again found his footing on defense. The Rams released him in their final roster cuts in 2023.

Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

From there, Rochell bounced between practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers before landing with the Green Bay Packers. He has alternated between the Packers’ practice squad and active roster for the past season and a half.

While Rochell has played only a single defensive snap over the past two seasons, his play on special teams has kept him on the league’s fringes. In 11 games for the Packers in 2024, Rochell played 121 snaps on special teams.

Time will tell if he is able to gain the trust of Chiefs’ special teams coordinator Dave Toub to stick in Kansas City.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/3/21/24391319/chiefs-roster-cornerback-robert-rochell-signed

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

James Winchester says his Chiefs career has been a ‘dream come true’

Kansas City long snapper James Winchester is entering his 11th season with the team.

For over a decade, Kansas City Chiefs’ long snapper James Winchester has been a model of consistency. As he enters his 11th NFL season — all of it Kansas City — Winchester still finds himself in awe of his journey.

“I would have called you crazy if you would have said I would be going into Year 11, having had the opportunity to play in five Super Bowls and be a part of three championships,” Winchester told the media during a Zoom press availability on Thursday. “That’s not including all the AFC West championships and [other] things that we’ve got to be a part of… it’s been a dream come true.”

While longevity is rare in an organization often called the “Not For Long” league, that’s exactly what Winchester has found with the Chiefs. In March, the team re-signed him to a one-year, $1.65 million contract. He credits head coach Andy Reid and special teams coordinator Dave Toub, whose presence in the organization has provided him with stability throughout his career.

“The longer you play, you realize [that in] players, coaches [and] staff, there’s just a big turnover,” Winchester explained. “I feel like in Kansas City, I’ve been fortunate to be with those guys from the top down. Our head coach hasn’t changed, and then you run through one of the best coordinators to ever do it in Dave Toub. Getting to play for that guy? It doesn’t get any better than that.”

At this stage of his career, the 35-year-old Winchester isn’t focused on multi-year contracts or long-term security. He’s simply grateful to keep doing what he loves — with the team he loves — one season at a time.

“I think early in your career, you’re more concerned with getting that big deal and signing for multiple years,” he said. “But for me, I’m thrilled to just be back on the team one year at a time… There’s nowhere else that I would rather be. There’s so many who would love to play for an organization like Kansas City. So being able to do that for another year? It was a no-brainer.”

And when younger players ask him about his longevity, Winchester passes along advice he received from former Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt, who played 17 seasons in the NFL — including his first 15 in Kansas City.

“The younger guys ask me, ‘How did you play 11 years?’ — and I’m like, ‘I’m going to give you the Dustin Colquitt answer: I don’t know,’” Winchester said with a smile. “A lot of things have lined up in my favor, and I continue to just try to perfect my craft [and] work hard. [I’ve] been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a lot of great coaches and teammates that have allowed us to have some amazing success.”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025...er-says-his-career-has-been-a-dream-come-true