The Kansas City Chiefs had a healthy level of roster turnover in the 2026 offseason as the front office looked to retool after a frustrating 2026 season. Patrick Mahomes putting up underwhelming numbers by his lofty standards and the team's losing record made sure that a healthy number of players were forced to find new landing spots in this year's free agency.
With this in mind, let's take a look at where familiar faces have landed, understanding that this list doesn't include current free agents who could still find a path back to Kansas City. These are only players who have made their free agency decision, starting with a pass catcher who led his position in receiving yards, and still opted to join a hated rival.
Chiefs will have to right the ship without these key contributors
1. Hollywood Brown- Philadelphia Eagles
Brown's leaving Kansas City wasn't a huge surprise, even after the fact that he led all receivers in yardage, with only tight end Travis Kelce offering more production. The issues for Brown were a lack of consistency and clear size limitations. So much of Brown's production was based around the creativity of Andy Reid and the elite talent elevator that is Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs needed to get younger at the position, leaving no ill will behind Brown's departure, even if it does come with a rival. Philadelphia clearly saw the production and believes Jalen Hurts can help replicate this performance from the receiver. An expectation that is unquestionably setting Brown's new team up for 2026 frustration.
2. Gardner Minshew - Arizona Cardinals
Mahomes suffered the first serious injury of his career, and Minshew went down a week later, leaving KC scrambling for answers at the position. This obviously wasn't a great first impression and left the Chiefs no option but to look for a potential upgrade with the possibility that Mahomes wouldn't be ready for the 2026 season still on the table.
Bringing in Justin Fields has wiped away any concerns that the Chiefs made a mistake parting ways with the experienced backup. For Minshew, the complete dysfunction in Arizona leaves a very real possibility that the quarterback could find his way into the starting lineup in the 2026 season.
3. Jawaan Taylor- Atlanta Falcons
It seems fitting that Taylor has joined a franchise often noted for its self-imposed collapses and mistakes. As great as the right tackle was at times for the Chiefs, the continual story was penalties and pre-snap mistakes that consistently cost Kansas City in big spots. This was in a time when the offense wasn't the explosive version of themselves, but a team forced to fight for every yard and lean on the creativity of Mahomes.
Opting to cut the veteran and let him walk away not only freed up needed cap space but also gave fans a sense of optimism at both tackle spots. Taylor will have a chance to continue his career and perhaps lessen his mistakes now without such a spotlight.
4. Isiah Pacheco-Detroit Lions
There was a moment when it appeared that Pacheco was going to be a star in this league and a long-term rusher for the Chiefs. However, production drastically dipped after injuries appeared to take their toll and rob Pacheco of what limited explosive ability the back had to start with. This forced Kansas City's hand and resulted in the team adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.
For Pacheco, he's joining a creative run scheme where he'll no longer be expected to be the starting rusher. If there is anything that can put Pacheco's career back on track, it is this fit outside of Kansas City.
5. Dameon Pierce-Philadelphia Eagles
Pierce was one of Kansas City's late attempts to find more production from their backfield in hopes of taking pressure off Pacheco. It clearly didn't work and left no thought that an offseason re-signing was on the table for the two sides. Pierce may have found a new landing spot, but it would be surprising if the rusher is able to hold onto his roster spot long-term.
Philadelphia already has two rushers cemented in, Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby, at the top of their depth chart. Add in the young talent behind this duo, and it's going to be an uphill battle for Pierce to remain rostered to start the 2026 season.
More Kansas City Chiefs News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google