KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This offseason had to be different for the Kansas City Chiefs, particularly during free agency. Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, the team focused its efforts on bolstering the defensive side of the ball.
When the free agency window opened last week, the Chiefs took several steps to improve their roster. They restructured the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to create cap space for new acquisitions. The most significant move was persuading running back Kenneth Walker III – the reigning Super Bowl MVP – to join the team, signing him to a three-year, $43.05 million contract.
In addition to Walker, the Chiefs added three veteran defenders: defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, safety Alohi Gilman and cornerback Kader Kohou. Rather than making splashy, high-profile signings, the team opted for strategic additions to improve their defense. This approach, according to team officials, prioritizes value and long-term sustainability.
The Chiefs are optimistic that this trio of defenders will provide versatility and stability, while also easing the burden on other key players. More broadly, the team hopes its 2026 free agency class will have a greater impact than last year’s acquisitions, which included tackle Jaylon Moore, cornerback Kristian Fulton, running back Elijah Mitchell, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew.
“We know we have to execute an efficient plan during free agency,” General Manager Brett Veach said last month at the NFL Combine. That plan, it appears, centered on targeted improvements rather than expensive overhauls.
This strategy proved successful in 2023, when Reid and Veach provided veteran defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with three valuable defenders: defensive end Charles Omenihu, safety Mike Edwards, and linebacker Drue Tranquill. These players made significant contributions, particularly in the postseason – Omenihu forced a fumble that led to a turnover, Edwards recorded an interception, and Tranquill made a crucial tackle that prevented a touchdown by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson – helping the Chiefs win their second consecutive Super Bowl. Gilman recently shared that Tranquill, his former teammate at both Notre Dame and the Los Angeles Chargers, helped convince him to join the Chiefs.
“I’ve been through a lot of different systems and have been watching Coach Spags from afar,” Gilman said after signing a three-year, $24 million contract. “I’ve been trying to figure out what he’s been doing on my own, but I sense comfortable playing both positions (deep). I feel like I can do anything on the field, so I’m excited to be a part of this and help this team win.”
Throughout his time in Kansas City, Spagnuolo has consistently relied on experienced safeties to lead his complex defensive scheme – a system known for its disguised coverages and unconventional blitzes. Under Spagnuolo, the Chiefs have won Super Bowls with safeties like Tyrann Mathieu, Justin Reid, and Bryan Cook, all of whom were vocal leaders who played multiple roles in the secondary. Gilman understands he’s the next player tasked with assuming those responsibilities.
“I’m excited to learn and secure better,” said the 28-year-old Gilman. “I’ve evolved over the years. It’s just the mental aspect – coming to the team and finding every way possible to gain inches, feet, and yards in this game. That’s what being a safety is about: having a global view of the entire field and playing that chess match against the best quarterbacks in the league.”
A clear weakness on the defensive unit last season was the defensive tackle position. The Chiefs lacked depth behind All-Pro Chris Jones, leading them to acquire Derrick Nnadi via trade and re-sign Mike Pennel. Omarr Norman-Lott, a second-round pick last year, suffered a torn ACL in October, ending his season.
After a strong season with the New England Patriots, Tonga is expected to add more strength to the defensive line alongside Jones. In 14 games, Tonga had the best season of his career with the Patriots, recording 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and two pass deflections. “I’m excited to come and play alongside Chris,” Tonga said after signing a three-year, $21 million deal. “I just met him for the first time at the gym, and he seems pretty upset about what happened last season. I’m excited and can’t wait to get on the field and help him.”
The Chiefs believe the addition of Kohou could be one of the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason. Kohou missed all of last season due to a serious knee injury suffered in December 2024. With three years of experience, Kohou played 15 games in 2024, recording two interceptions, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He also participated in 453 snaps from the slot, positioning him as a potential replacement for McDuffie.
The Chiefs have been mentioned as a potential destination for defensive end Cameron Jordan, according to a league source. The 15-year veteran spent last season with the New Orleans Saints, recording 10.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Jones revealed he was advocating for Jordan – who is a free agent – to join the Chiefs, posting the player’s name on his X account last week. If Jordan were to join the Chiefs, it would be a significant upgrade on the edge, playing opposite George Karlaftis.
The Chiefs entered Thursday with approximately $10 million in cap space. To sign Jordan, the Chiefs could create more cap space by restructuring the contracts of Jones and center Creed Humphrey.
Beyond free agency, the Chiefs hold 10 selections in the upcoming draft. Two positions the team is expected to prioritize are defensive end and cornerback. Holding the ninth overall pick, the Chiefs could bolster their pass rush and add another cornerback with the 29th selection – the highest pick they received from the Rams.
The Chiefs did precisely that with Karlaftis and McDuffie in 2022; that was the last time in the last 15 years they had two first-round selections.
“We have to hit on these picks,” Veach said during the Combine. “That’s going to be critical for us to maintain this winning streak alive.”
The Chiefs’ approach to free agency this year reflects a commitment to building through strategic additions and maximizing value. Whether these moves will be enough to return the team to Super Bowl contention remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest a focused and deliberate plan is in place.
The Chiefs will next be in action for organized team activities (OTAs) in May, providing the first public glimpse of the new-look roster. Fans can follow updates on the team’s official website, chiefs.com, and on social media.
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