Now that the Kansas City Chiefs are several weeks removed from the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX, it’s time to shift the focus to the 2025 season.

For the Chiefs to make yet another Super Bowl appearance, making the most of this offseason will be crucial. Teams typically improve through two primary channels: free agency and the draft. With the draft still over a month away, let’s concentrate on the more immediate opportunity—free agency.

NFL Free Agency officially begins on March 12, though the legal tampering period opens two days earlier on March 10. Until then, teams cannot communicate with or sign players who remain under contract with other organizations.

While the Chiefs will undoubtedly consider re-signing their own pending free agents like Trey Smith, Justin Reid, and Nick Bolton, which external free agents might they target in the coming weeks? More specifically, which “under the radar” players could potentially join the Chiefs’ roster?

Let’s review 21 under-the-radar unrestricted free agents who could be fits for the Chiefs this offseason.

Before we begin, I’m limiting the list to 3 players per position group, focusing exclusively on players not currently with the Chiefs. I’m defining “under the radar” as players who aren’t commonly linked to the Chiefs by fans or media (unlike names such as Tee Higgins and Cam Robinson).

This list isn’t necessarily an endorsement to sign each of these players, but rather an exploration of who could potentially be good fits for the team.

Running Back

Under-the-radar free agents: Ameer Abdullah (Raiders), Javonte Williams (Broncos)

Running back was one of the weirdest positions for the Chiefs this past season. Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine, two of their three main running backs, weren’t signed until August 28 and September 17, respectively. Isiah Pacheco also missed a significant portion of the season due to an ankle injury. Since drafting Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round five years ago, the Chiefs haven’t invested substantial draft capital in the position. They typically rely on free agency to fill out their running back room.

Ameer Abdullah and Javonte Williams are two names that could make sense for the Chiefs. Both players were fairly productive in the receiving game this past season and shouldn’t command expensive contracts. Ideally, Kansas City would get younger at the position through the draft, but if they opt for bargain shopping in free agency, Abdullah and Williams would be logical additions.

Wide Receiver

Under-the-radar free agents: Stefon Diggs (Texans), Elijah Moore (Browns), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Titans)

Stefon Diggs is likely the biggest name on this list, but he still qualifies as under the radar in my opinion. Admittedly, he’s coming off a season-ending ACL tear suffered in October, but he was having a fairly productive season before the injury. He shouldn’t command a huge contract.

The Chiefs lacked speed on offense this past season. Other than Xavier Worthy, Kansas City didn’t have a player who could create an explosive play. Elijah Moore, with his 4.35 speed, could help with that. He won’t be a key player in the offense, but Brett Veach has been willing to take chances on former high draft picks.

Despite being on the lowly Titans, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine had an oddly productive season. Although 32 catches for 497 yards isn’t mind-blowing at first glance, 9 of those catches (28.1%) were touchdowns. Despite catching passes from Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, he was tied for 9th among all players in touchdown catches last season. He’s another guy who won’t be a star but could provide juice to an offense that could really use it.

Offensive Tackle

Under-the-radar free agents: Jedrick Wills Jr. (Browns)

Left tackle is likely the most crucial position to address this offseason. As it stands, the Chiefs will probably target a big-name player in free agency or roll with D.J. Humphries and a draft pick. However, if they aren’t able to re-sign Humphries, former Top 10 pick Jedrick Wills could be a good option. He fits their mold and would come at a reasonable price. If they sign him, though, they’ll need to draft another left tackle. Despite a strong start to his career, Wills has struggled with injuries and consistency over the past couple of years, so he shouldn’t be the only option. However, he could serve as an affordable stopgap while they wait for a younger tackle to develop.

Offensive Guards

Under-the-radar free agents: James Daniels (Steelers), Dalton Risner (Vikings), Trystan Colon (Cardinals)

The Chiefs are set to use the franchise tag on Trey Smith, but there’s a slim chance that be a tag-and-trade scenario as we saw last year with L’Jarius Sneed. In that instance, the Chiefs could go shopping.

James Daniels, Dalton Risner, and Trystan Colon could make sense as one-year options. The Chiefs might consider moving Kingsley Suamataia to guard, but I’d strongly advise against starting him in 2025. These veteran options would be a better fit.

Daniels was having a strong season before suffering an Achilles injury in Week 4, so he should come at a relatively low cost. Risner, a Missouri native, has significant experience at both guard positions. Colon, another local product, could also serve as a solid stopgap option for 2025.

Defensive Tackles

Under-the-radar free agents: Levi Onwuzurike (Lions), Poona Ford (Chargers), Teair Tart (Chargers)

I know the Chiefs have Chris Jones, but defensive tackle is another position where the team hasn’t invested much in recent years. That could change this offseason. Levi Onwuzurike is solid against both the run and pass. While his sack numbers aren’t eye-popping, he’s effective and could be a cost-effective depth addition to the defense.

Poona Ford and Teair Tart are two players who were excellent for the Chargers’ defense this past season on relatively affordable contracts. While they might not have recorded the most sacks, they were quietly effective and would be strong additions to a defensive line that needs more depth. Both are solid against the run and as pass rushers, making them ideal partners for Chris Jones.

Defensive Ends (Edge Defenders)

Under-the-radar free agents: DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys), Derek Barnett (Texans)

One of my favorite names on this list is DeMarcus Lawrence. Despite spending the last decade with the Dallas Cowboys, he’s been one of the most underrated pass rushers of his generation. While he hasn’t been a dominant force rushing the passer, he’s been very effective in the passing game and elite against the run. He did suffer a Lisfranc injury in Week 4, so his health is a concern, but if the Chiefs are comfortable with that risk and Lawrence is willing to sign for around $15M ($8M-$9M guaranteed) over two years, this is a gamble that Brett Veach should be willing to take.

Derek Barnett could be another former first-round pick the Chiefs try to revive. He shouldn’t cost much on a one-year deal and can be trusted on all three downs.

Linebackers

Under-the-radar free agents: Willie Gay Jr. (Saints), Eric Kendricks (Cowboys)

After a quiet one-year stint in New Orleans, former Chief Willie Gay could be a potential option if the team decides to let Nick Bolton walk in free agency. Gay would bring speed to the linebacker position and allow Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal to step into larger roles.

If the Chiefs choose not to re-sign Nick Bolton or draft a linebacker in the first two rounds, Eric Kendricks could be a viable alternative. He’s a reliable run defender and would likely come at an affordable price.

Cornerbacks

Under-the-radar free agents: Charvarius Ward (49ers), Jonathan Jones (Patriots), Isaiah Rodgers (Eagles)

Assuming Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson stay healthy, the Chiefs boast one of the better cornerback duos in football. However, unless they plan to rely on Joshua Williams or Nazeeh Johnson again, adding another cornerback would be a smart move.

While Charvarius Ward might not exactly be considered “under the radar” due to his status as a former Chief and a fairly big name, I haven’t seen many people propose the idea of bringing him back. After a tragic loss just before the season, it was reported that Ward is likely to leave for San Francisco. While he would come at a relatively high cost, signing him would give the Chiefs another boundary corner and allow McDuffie to slide back into the slot.

Jonathan Jones and Isaiah Rodgers are two cornerbacks with boundary experience who wouldn’t break the bank. However, the Chiefs may opt to draft another player at the position, given their success in developing talent through the draft.

Safeties

Under-the-radar free agents: Andre Cisco (Jaguars), Julian Blackmon (Colts)

The Chiefs have followed a familiar pattern in recent years: signing a former AFC South safety to a three-year deal, then letting him walk. This happened with Tyrann Mathieu, and it could play out the same way with Justin Reid. Despite Reid’s strong performance in 2024, he may be too expensive for KC to re-sign.

While Andre Cisco (a former Chiefs nemesis) and Julian Blackmon might not be considered bargain options, they could be sensible choices if Kansas City looks to get younger and more cost-effective at the safety position.