NFL · 1 year ago

Three-peat? Top 5 Kansas City Chiefs Free Agents in 2024

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Mike Pennel Jr. - Defensive Tackle
The final player on this list is another defensive player. Mike Pennel Jr. turned himself into a valuable piece of the Chiefs defensive line and had an exceptional postseason, likely earning himself an extension. He only played in three regular-season games and appeared to be an afterthought, but he emerged in the playoffs, playing every contest en route to the Super Bowl win. With Derrick Nnadi injured, Pennel stepped in and made a massive impact with a forced fumble of Christian McCaffrey, plus significant disruption in the middle of the defense. Pennel Jr. was only on a one-year deal, but his postseason play makes it likely KC will try to bring him back for next season.
1. Chris Jones - Defensive Tackle
The most high-profile, and probably most important, upcoming free agent for the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions is defensive tackle Chris Jones. The dominant interior lineman is a critical part of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and projects to command a large contract this offseason. General manager Brett Veach publicly stated that keeping Jones in Kansas City was his crucial focus. The Chiefs will have roughly $23 million in cap space (according to Over the Cap), a figure right in the middle leaguewide. There are some holes on offense to plug, but the Chiefs will do everything possible to keep Jones.
2. L'Jarius Sneed - Defensive Back
One of the top defensive backs in the free agency market will be Chiefs corner L’Jarius Sneed. Sneed had a terrific 2023-2024 campaign, helping to anchor a standout secondary for the Chiefs. He allowed only a 56.2 passer rating in coverage this season, one of the best marks in the NFL. This past season, Sneed was primarily used as a boundary corner, and the team appears to have already prepared to replace him. Veech drafted Trent McDuffie (first round in 2022) along with Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson in recent drafts, and the cap space will likely be used elsewhere if Sneed gets big-money offers from other teams.
3. Mike Danna - Defensive End
A former fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Mike Danna has made himself a valuable member of the Chiefs defense. Hitting the open market, he has likely earned himself a nice contract. Danna set a career-high in snaps played and had 6.5 sacks this past season. The former Michigan Wolverine edge rusher is a quality run defender and can pressure the quarterback. Danna should not cost too much, but he won’t be cheap either. He’s always available and often effective, plus he plays on the edge, making him a valuable commodity in free agency.
4. Donovan Smith - Offensive Tackle
The lone offensive player on this list is offensive tackle Donovan Smith. The Chiefs signed the veteran to a one-year deal for only $3 million to protect Patrick Mahomes’s blind side. Smith is not an elite tackle but was solid for Kansas City and could be a candidate for an extension if the price is right. The only other option for the Chiefs would be handing the position to Jawaan Taylor. If Kansas City were comfortable doing so, Smith would be playing elsewhere. Otherwise, another one-year deal to keep Smith as a Chief is possible.
5. Mike Pennel Jr. - Defensive Tackle
The final player on this list is another defensive player. Mike Pennel Jr. turned himself into a valuable piece of the Chiefs defensive line and had an exceptional postseason, likely earning himself an extension. He only played in three regular-season games and appeared to be an afterthought, but he emerged in the playoffs, playing every contest en route to the Super Bowl win. With Derrick Nnadi injured, Pennel stepped in and made a massive impact with a forced fumble of Christian McCaffrey, plus significant disruption in the middle of the defense. Pennel Jr. was only on a one-year deal, but his postseason play makes it likely KC will try to bring him back for next season.
1. Chris Jones - Defensive Tackle
The most high-profile, and probably most important, upcoming free agent for the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions is defensive tackle Chris Jones. The dominant interior lineman is a critical part of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and projects to command a large contract this offseason. General manager Brett Veach publicly stated that keeping Jones in Kansas City was his crucial focus. The Chiefs will have roughly $23 million in cap space (according to Over the Cap), a figure right in the middle leaguewide. There are some holes on offense to plug, but the Chiefs will do everything possible to keep Jones.

Three-peat? Top 5 Kansas City Chiefs Free Agents in 2024

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