10 Chiefs Entering Their Final Season With Kansas City

3. Justin Reid, S

The Chiefs' defense has drastically improved in recent years and one of the reasons behind that upswing was Justin Reid's arrival to town. The veteran safety has been one of the best at his position ever since Kansas City signed him to a three-year, $31.5 million contract back in March 2022.

Few safeties were as productive as Reid during the 2023 season. The ex-Stanford defender registered new career bests in solo tackles (74) and sacks (3.0) while breaking up seven passes with an interception, too. He also shared the team lead with 18 postseason solo tackles and even added 1.5 sacks with two tackles for lost yardage.

Fast forward to now where Reid is entering the final season of his contract. The 27-year-old is slated to carry a $14.2 million cap hit in 2024 and that number could grow in free agency if he helps the Chiefs win a third straight Lombardi Trophy. Spotrac currently lists Kansas City as having $30.4 million in cap space in the offseason, meaning the franchise might not be able to afford Reid if he commands a major pay raise.

There's also the possibility that the Chiefs are already preparing for Reid's potential departure. General manager Brett Veach used draft picks on defensive backs Jaden Hicks and Kamal Hadden back in April. If either first-year defender thrives in his debut season, Reid could become expendable.

If the 2024 season is truly Reid's swan song with the Chiefs, let's hope it ends with another Super Bowl celebration.