The 2025 NFL postseason has ended for the Kansas City Chiefs, who fell short of their goal of winning their third consecutive Super Bowl.

Kansas City’s focus will immediately shift to the 2025 NFL offseason as it constructs its roster for the upcoming season and beyond. The team hopes to get another crack at the Super Bowl, but as we all know, it’s not a given. Brett Veach and the front office will have some difficult decisions to make. Numerous key pieces on offense and defense are expected to hit free agency this offseason.

Some players will receive contract extensions, while others could retire from the NFL. Many have likely played their last snap for the team and will be scooped up by other teams in free agency. One thing is sure: The Chiefs don’t have the means to keep everybody around. That’s just the reality of the salary cap and the NFL.

Below you’ll find a look at all of the 2025 free agents for the Chiefs:

Unrestricted free agents: 20

If unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are not re-signed by March, the beginning of the new league year, they are free to sign with any team upon the onset of the free agency period. The Chiefs have several players slated for unrestricted free agency this year, including many considered starters on offense and defense.

LT D.J. Humphries
WR DeAndre Hopkins
LB/DE Joshua Uche
WR Hollywood Brown
RB Kareem Hunt
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
RB Samaje Perine
RG Trey Smith
LB Nick Bolton
DE Charles Omenihu
DT Tershawn Wharton
S Justin Reid
DT Derrick Nnadi
DT Mike Pennel
QB Carson Wentz
WR Justin Watson
WR Mecole Hardman
LS James Winchester
DT Marlon Tuipulotu
TE Baylor Cupp (SFA) (Re-signed)
TE Jody Fortson

As previously mentioned, it’s tough to keep everyone. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these players are on different teams in 2025.

Restricted free agents: 4

Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) are players with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. They are allowed to negotiate with other teams even if they’re offered an RFA contract tender. Those other teams can sign the RFA to an offer sheet, but the Chiefs would have the right to match the offer. If KC decides against matching the offer, depending on the tender type, they can receive draft compensation for the player.

LB Jack Cochrane
DE Malik Herring
TE Peyton Hendershot
CB Keith Taylor

I’d expect each of these players to be back on RFA contract tenders, outside of Cochrane, who will likely be signed to a lesser deal after a late-season knee injury.

Exclusive rights free agents: 4

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) are free agents who have yet to accrue three seasons in the NFL. Kansas City holds exclusive negotiating rights with their ERFAs. If an ERFA is tendered a qualifying contract offer before free agency, that player can’t refuse that offer. That player can reach unrestricted free agency only if the team does not give a qualifying offer.

OG Mike Caliendo
CB Nazeeh Johnson
K Spencer Shrader
P Matt Araiza

I wouldn’t be shocked to see all four of these players tendered, including Shrader. They could seek to flip Shrader for a draft pick or prospect in a trade.

What about the Chiefs’ practice squad players?

The contracts of the Chiefs’ 17 practice squad players expire one week after the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX (or their final game of the 2025 postseason). After their contracts expire, practice squad players can sign reserve/future contracts with the team or decide to leave.

LB Swayze Bozeman (Signed w/ new team)
S Deon Bush (Re-signed)
LB Cole Christiansen
TE Anthony Firkser (Re-signed)
OL Chu Godrick (Re-signed)
DT Siaki Ika (Re-signed)
RB Keaontay Ingram (Re-signed)
CB Nic Jones (Signed w/ new team)
DT Fabien Lovett (Re-signed)
CB Steven Nelson
QB Chris Oladokun (Re-signed)
WR Justyn Ross (Re-signed)
CB Darius Rush (Re-signed)
CB Eric Scott Jr. (Re-signed)
WR Tyquan Thorton (Re-signed)
WR Jason Brownlee (Re-signed)
WR Montrell Washington (Signed w/ new team)