Chiefs Likely to Lose Surprise All-Pro Player to Free Agency

Among the Chiefs' many difficult offseason decisions ahead, one in particular hasn't been discussed much to this point. All-Pro punter Tommy Townsend is one of 19 unrestricted free agents that Brett Veach has to negotiate with. In my opinion, it's unlikely he will return for the 2024-25 season.

Kansas City is already paying Harrison Butker top-tier money on special teams at nearly $5 million per year. Unless Townsend is willing to take a contract less than his value, which is possible, it's almost impossible to imagine the Chiefs finding a way to commit that much money to a punter, even if he is among the league's best.

In fact, we may have already seen the last of Tommy Townsend with the Chiefs.

Why Chiefs Will Likely Lose Tommy Townsend to Free Agency

Rosenhaus is notorious for playing hardball and getting the best possible deal for his clients. That's the job of an agent, in most cases, but it adds a huge caveat to the potential negotiations.

Before making any corresponding moves, the Chiefs are projected to have around $23 million in avaialble cap space. Townsend's resume is that of someone who should be paid like one of the top five punters in the league. Is that feasible?

I don't think it is. Bradley Pinion of the Falcons made $3.5 million last year. It just doesn't make sense for the Chiefs to allocate nearly $10 million for a kicker and punter when guys like Chris Jones, L'Jarius Sneed, Willie Gay Jr., and Drue Tranquill aren't under contract and others like Creed Humphrey, Nick Bolton, Trey Smith and more will soon need one.

Townsend is one of the best players at his position in the NFL, beloved in the locker room and a two-time Super Bowl Champion. He's earned his payday. However, I don't think it'll come from the Chiefs.

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