Three Free-Agent Difference-Makers the Chiefs Can Still Sign
The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the most active teams on the free agent market in 2026. This includes major additions such as 25-year-old running back Kenneth Walker III from the Seattle Seahawks, 29-year-old nose tackle Khyiris Tonga from the New England Patriots, and 28-year-old safety Alohi Gilman from the Baltimore Ravens. Despite these big moves, the Chiefs still have plenty of needs that they must address. Fortunately for them, there are more than a few potential candidates who can fill their needs.
Wide Receiver Jauan Jennings
Arguably the best free agent on the market, 28-year-old wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been an extremely solid pass threat over his first five NFL seasons. Last year, he hauled in 55 passes for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns, which led all San Francisco 49ers receivers. While the Chiefs do have an explosive receiver in Xavier Worthy and recently re-signed Tyquan Thornton to a two-year deal, they could still use more playmakers on offense. Jennings would be a very ironic signing for Kansas City, given that they’ve faced off against San Francisco in the Super Bowl twice over the last few years, and Jennings may have been Super Bowl MVP had the 49ers prevailed in Super Bowl LVIII. Regardless, only time will tell if the Chiefs will put past rivalries aside and ink a deal with Jauan Jennings.
Edge Rusher A.J. Epenesa
From another heated rival in the Buffalo Bills, 27-year-old edge rusher A.J. Epenesa served his role as a reliable rotational piece on a team that made the postseason all six years he was there. He had a down year last season with just two-and-a-half sacks, but had at least six in each of the three years prior, so there is good reason to believe that he can return to form. Although George Karlaftis has established himself as a starting-caliber edge rusher over the past few seasons, Kansas City still desperately needs pass rush help, since the team tied for only 22nd in sacks with 35 last season. Still in his 20s, Epenesa could keep up his reliability in Chiefs Kingdom for years to come.
Offensive Tackle Jonah Williams
A former 2019 first-round pick, Jonah Williams, lacks the consistency that the first two free agent candidates have sustained over their careers. After spending his first four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Williams played just 15 out of 34 possible contests over the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. However, he does have an 83.9% pass block win-rate over his career, which makes him a decent option for the Chiefs at right tackle. Kansas City recently released its previous right tackle, Jawaan Taylor, leaving the position wide open. If the team wants to prevent quarterback Patrick Mahomes II from sustaining another long-term injury, they are going to need to find some dependable linemen to keep him upright.
