12 Chiefs Who Won't Return For Super Bowl Champs in 2024
Kansas City Chiefs fans are still riding the high stemming from the Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers. While it's fun to get caught up in championship celebrations and parade route planning, it isn't too early to start thinking about what the Chiefs might look like next season.
Kansas City heads into the offseason with over $22.6 million in cap space, per Spotrac. That seems like a lot on paper, but the Chiefs have 25 pending free agents to deal with and not everyone is guaranteed to be re-signed. Some tough decisions will be made in the coming months, so don't be surprised if familiar faces are in opposing jerseys next season.
Here are 12 Chiefs players who won't be back in 2024.
1. DT Chris Jones
It's been mentioned numerous times, but Chris Jones is the Chiefs' biggest pending free agent this offseason. The five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle has played all eight of his seasons in a Kansas City jersey but could look for a massive paycheck after playing on a one-year, $19.5 million deal in 2023.
NFL insiders — like Adam Schefter — haven't ruled out Jones returning in 2024, but re-signing him won't be easy. Spotrac lists his projected market value at $28.4 million annually, which is more than the Chiefs have to spend. Yes, the team can restructure deals or release players to create space, but it remains to be seen if they want to lock up nearly $30 million on a player turning 30 in July.
Besides, Jones might not want to play on another one-year contract since his age means he likely won't see too many more big deals coming his way.
The former Mississippi State defender finished the 2023 campaign with 20 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks, and four defended passes, and was Pro Football Focus' No. 5-graded interior defender. He was also named All-Pro for the fourth consecutive season, highlighting just how much of a game-changer he is.
Having said that, a ton of teams would love to have Jones patrolling their defensive lines. Don't be surprised if one of them has an offer that the 29-year-old simply can't refuse.