The Kansas City Chiefs cemented their spot as an NFL dynasty with their Super Bowl win against the San Francisco 49ers. With that victory, they became the first team since the New England Patriots to go back-to-back, and they are now in position to become the first team in NFL history to win three in a row.
For the Chiefs heading into free agency, retaining their own talent was an even bigger priority than making new additions. GM Brett Veach has shown to be one of — if not the — best executives in the league, and the Chiefs have had as good of a start to the offseason in free agency as fans realistically could have expected so far.
Who Did the Kansas City Chiefs Sign in Free Agency?
The Chiefs entered this free agency period needing to figure out what to do with some of their stars on the defensive side, as well as get better at the receiver position.
If there ever was an offseason that demonstrates why Veach and the Chiefs are the standard in the NFL, this is the one. First, there were some smart, under-the-radar signings that teams have to make to keep their depth. Then, they threw out the big money to keep their superstars, as well as address a glaring weakness.
Simply put, this was a masterclass from a team that is looking to make a run at NFL history.
Grade: A
Chiefs Keep Superstar DT Chris Jones
While Patrick Mahomes is the best player on the team, you could make an argument that Chris Jones has been equally important to the team’s success. The number of times this past postseason where his presence in the opposing backfield saved a potential touchdown can’t be understated.
MORE: 2024 Free Agents by Position
With Aaron Donald now retired, Jones is without question the best defensive tackle in the NFL, and the Chiefs made sure to keep him for the foreseeable future.
He signed a five-year deal with $95 million guaranteed, making it highly likely he will play his entire career in Kansas City.
Grade: A+
Chiefs Bring In Help at Wide Receiver Position With Marquise Brown
Patience is a virtue, and Veach and the Chiefs put that on full display with the signing of Brown. Wide receiver was a very popular position in free agency, as a ton of guys were able to go out and get multi-year deals.
However, the Chiefs didn’t panic and got the free agent receiver who fit what they needed the most in Hollywood Brown. A one-time first-round draft pick with upside, the Chiefs signed Brown to a one-year prove-it deal where he can make up to $11 million.
Travis Kelce showed in the postseason he is still an elite tight end, while rookie Rashee Rice emerged as a potential star at the end of last year. The addition of a downfield threat like Brown should be a great complement to their skill sets.
Grade: A
Chiefs Add Another Talented Player at the Tight End Position
The Chiefs are bringing Irv Smith Jr. to give the team some more tight end depth. At only 25 years old, he has an opportunity to come in and learn from one of the best tight ends ever.
Smith signed on a one-year deal worth $1.2 million. He had had to battle injuries throughout his career, but he has good speed and is also an underrated blocker.
This isn’t a major move, but taking a chance on a young, talented tight end to play behind Kelce could pay dividends in the future.
Grade: B-
Chiefs Keep Arguably Their Best Signing From Last Year in Drue Tranquill
One of the best offseason additions last year was the Chiefs signing Drue Tranquill away from a division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers. He was on only a one-year contract in 2024, but he parlayed a strong season into a three-year, $19 million deal this offseason.
He emerged as a key piece of the defense last year, as Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton both had injuries at various times last year. His play was so good that the team let Gay head into the open market, where he eventually landed with the New Orleans Saints.
Grade: B+
Team Keeps Defensive Line Depth Behind Chris Jones With Multiple Signings
Tershawn Wharton and Mike Danna have both been solid contributors for the Chiefs, and the team brought them back for depth.
Wharton was signed to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million, while Danna signed a one-year deal as well.
With Chris Jones and George Karlaftis both demanding so much attention from opposing offenses, having guys like Wharton and Danna capable of making plays is key.
Grade: B
Chiefs Lost Punter Tommy Townsend But Signed Matt Araiza to a Cheaper Deal
Tommy Townsend is one of the best punters in the NFL, but with the Chiefs having other players to sign, the team decided to let him walk. He ended up signing a two-year, $6 million with the Houston Texans.
If Matt Araiza makes the Chiefs’ 53-man roster, he will make $795,000. He was looked at as one of the better punter prospects in some time but had legal issues off the field that forced the Bills to cut him last year.
KEEP READING: Kansas City Chiefs News, March 21
However, the charges against him have been dropped, and the Chiefs brought him in this offseason to be their new punter.
Grade: B
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