Follow the Kansas City Chiefs’ latest moves with NFL free agency officially underway
The NFL’s new calendar year kicked off Wednesday afternoon, and with it the official start of free agency.
For the most part, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach didn’t get too involved during the two-day open negotiations frenzy to start the week.
But the Chiefs used the time to address both sides of the ball, agreeing to terms on a four-year deal with former Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Jawaan Taylor and a two-year deal with former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Charles Omenihu.
Veach also handled in-house matter by signing defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton to a one-year deal, and applying a first-of-right-refusal tender on punter Tommy Townsend. KC cleared some salary-cap space Wednesday night by restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ contract as well.
Linebacker Darius Harris did not receive a tender as a restricted free agent, meaning he is now free to sign with any team, including the Chiefs.
The Chiefs extended qualifying tenders to three exclusive-rights free agents: quarterback Shane Buechele, tight end Jody Fortson and tackle Prince Tega Wanogho.
Still, the NFL is a business and the Chiefs weren’t going to keep everyone from last season’s Super Bowl-winning team. The Chiefs bid farewell to:
- Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals late Wednesday.
- Right tackle Andrew Wylie, who agreed to terms on three-year deal with Washington Commanders.
- Fullback Michael Burton, who agreed to terms on one-year deal with Denver Broncos.
- Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who agreed to terms on three-year deal with New Orleans Saints.
- Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who agreed to terms on three-year deal with New England Patriots.
- Safety Juan Thornhill, who agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
With free agency continuing Thursday, the Chiefs have work to do. Follow along as we monitor the latest developments.
