Kansas City, MO – As the Kansas City Chiefs bask in their dynasty status—three Super Bowl titles since 2019 and a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last month—the 2025 offseason looms as a pivotal test. With a roster stacked with talent, GM Brett Veach faces tough decisions as key contributors hit free agency on March 12, 2025. At 10:42 AM PDT on March 24, 2025, with the Chiefs sitting at $37.8 million in projected cap space per OverTheCap, parting with some big names seems inevitable to maintain flexibility around Patrick Mahomes’s $40.5 million cap hit. Here’s our ranking of the five most important free agents Kansas City must brace to lose—and why their departures will sting Chiefs Kingdom.
5. linebacker Nick Bolton
- 2024 Stats: 102 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT
- Age: 25
- Projected Market Value: 4 years, $52 million ($13M AAV)
Bolton, a 2021 second-round pick, has been the heartbeat of Kansas City’s linebacker corps, pairing tenacity with sideline-to-sideline range. His 2024 season—highlighted by a game-sealing pick against the Chargers in Week 14—solidified his role as Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive quarterback. But with Drue Tranquill locked in and Leo Chenal emerging, Bolton’s price tag might push him out. Teams like the Chicago Bears, flush with $67 million in cap space, could pounce. “Nick’s a stud—losing him weakens our soul,” an X fan lamented. Replacement options are thin, making this a gut punch.
4. Wide Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
- 2024 Stats: 49 catches, 678 yards, 4 TDs
- Age: 28
- Projected Market Value: 3 years, $36 million ($12M AAV)
Smith-Schuster’s return to KC in 2024 on a one-year, $1.2 million “prove-it” deal paid off, delivering clutch catches—like a 32-yard TD in the AFC Championship—after a rocky Pittsburgh stint. His chemistry with Mahomes filled the void left by Tyreek Hill, but with rookie Xavier Worthy’s breakout (52 catches, 811 yards) and DeAndre Hopkins locked in post-trade, JuJu’s expendable. The New York Giants or Carolina Panthers, desperate for veteran receivers, loom. “JuJu’s a security blanket—tough to see him go,” The Athletic’s Nate Taylor wrote. Depth takes a hit here.
3. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed
- 2024 Stats: 68 tackles, 3 INTs, 11 pass breakups
- Age: 28
- Projected Market Value: 4 years, $68 million ($17M AAV)
Sneed, acquired via trade from the Titans in 2023, has been a lockdown CB1, shadowing elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and limiting them to sub-50-yard games. His 2024 Pro Bowl nod underscored his value, but with Trent McDuffie’s All-Pro rise and Jaylen Watson stepping up, Kansas City might let him walk. The Detroit Lions, with $54 million in cap, could swoop. “Sneed’s a game-changer—our secondary’s exposed without him,” an X user fretted. Spagnuolo’s scheme adapts, but losing this star stings deep.
2. Guard Trey Smith
- 2024 Stats: 17 starts, 92.4% pass-block win rate
- Age: 25
- Projected Market Value: 5 years, $85 million ($17M AAV)
Smith, a 2021 sixth-round steal, has anchored the Chiefs’ line, protecting Mahomes with bulldozer strength—his 2024 PFF grade of 88.7 ranked third among guards. With Joe Thuney aging (33) and Creed Humphrey’s extension looming, Smith’s youth commands a premium Kansas City can’t match. The Cincinnati Bengals, needing line help for Burrow, are a threat. “Trey’s the unsung hero—Mahomes feels this,” KSHB’s Aaron Ladd tweeted. A rookie replacement risks sacks galore.
1. Defensive Tackle Chris Jones
- 2024 Stats: 12.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
- Age: 30
- Projected Market Value: 3 years, $90 million ($30M AAV)
Jones, a five-time All-Pro and the Chiefs’ defensive soul, tops this list. His 2024 encore—12.5 sacks after a 15.5-sack 2023—kept Kansas City’s pass rush elite, with a strip-sack against Josh Allen in the playoffs etching his legend. But after a one-year, $28.4 million extension in 2024, his next deal—likely his last big payday—could break the bank. The Las Vegas Raiders, with $61 million in cap, lurk. “Chris is irreplaceable—our D collapses without him,” an X fan wailed. Tershawn Wharton’s solid, but Jones’s void is seismic.
The Fallout
Losing these five—totaling $66 million AAV in projected value—would strain a Chiefs roster aiming for a three-peat. With $37.8 million to spend, Veach might keep one (Bolton? Smith?), but Jones’s exit looms largest—his leadership and production are dynasty glue. X buzzed with dread: “Chris Jones gone? Kiss the Super Bowl goodbye.” Yet, Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid’s magic offer hope—Kansas City’s parted with stars before (Hill, Mathieu) and thrived.
For now, Chiefs Kingdom braces for a bittersweet spring. These losses, ranked by impact, signal a roster reset—but with Mahomes under center, the crown’s not slipping yet. Stay tuned as free agency unfolds—this dynasty’s far from dead.
