Kansas City Chiefs fans can officially put this horrendous season behind them following the team’s 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. This season was filled with heartbreak and disappointment, which makes this offseason arguably the most important of the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Chiefs' front office faces a difficult road ahead. With 21 free agents and the least amount of available cap space, according to Over the Cap, the Chiefs must make some painful decisions about their roster. Since they have limited financial flexibility, these three Chiefs free agents are set to break fans’ hearts this offseason by leaving Kansas City to pursue a larger role or a bigger pay.
1. FS Bryan Cook
Safety Bryan Cook took a huge leap in the 2025 season. Cook amassed 85 total tackles and six pass deflections, which were both career-highs, and allowed just 21 receptions on 32 targets for 182 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
His 83.6 Pro Football Focus grade ranks fourth out of 98 safeties, whereas his 80.3 run grade ranks 15th. The former 2022 second-round selection has been one of the few bright spots for the Chiefs this season and has earned the opportunity to seek a long-term deal.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Cook’s market value could be out of their price range. According to Spotrac, Cook’s market value is projected at $14.4 million annually, and with this year’s free agency lacking depth at the safety position, teams are likely to throw money his way.
Since Cook played a key part in the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl victories, teams will be intrigued by signing him and making him a focal point of their defense. With Cook emerging as an elite player, he has every incentive to cash in and accept a contract with the highest bidder.
2. EDGE Charles Omenihu
In his three-year tenure with the Chiefs, Charles Omenihu has served as a serviceable edge rusher. Through 34 games, Omenihu has logged 62 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. When healthy, he’s proven to be a solid part of the defense, holding his own against the run and pass.
While he’s thrived in his reserve role, Omenihu has never been granted the opportunity of becoming a full-time starting edge rusher, having started just 12 games across his seven-year career. With Omenihu still only 28 years old, he’s displayed that he’s got plenty left in the tank these past few weeks, generating 11 pressures in the last four games.
Omenihu’s performance in the last few games, combined with his excellence against the run this season--highlighted by a 74 run grade per PFF-- has earned him the chance of seeking an increased role, and the Chiefs can’t do anything about it. Although the Chiefs would love to have Omenihu back, they cannot afford to spend recklessly trying to re-sign Omenihu.
While it's likely it wouldn’t cost them too much to bring him back, they’re crowded at the defensive line and have other areas of need.
3. RB Kareem Hunt
Even though the run game was awful this season, Chiefs’ fans cannot put the entirety of the blame on running backs. While Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco were heavily criticized for their horrible performance running the ball this season, the offensive line deserves its fair share of the blame, considering they haven’t been the same unit since sustaining numerous injuries in 2024.
Despite posting just 611 rushing yards and averaging 3.7 yards per carry, Kareem Hunt proved he’s still a productive running back. Hunt was the Chiefs’ go-to guy in the red zone, recording eight touchdowns, and displayed his elite skill set in short-yardage situations. Hunt’s effectiveness in the red zone makes him an appealing option to teams in need of a goal-line player.
With the Chiefs undecided on how they’ll address the running back room, Hunt could seek another team that’ll put him in the best position to succeed based on his skillset. If Hunt were to leave, the Chiefs would lose a valuable red zone threat and a steady contributor to their run game.
Although his best days are behind him, Hunt remains a proven veteran who can elevate a team’s run game.