The Kansas City Chiefs are in the middle of what could be a quiet roster overhaul—one that’s going to force some tough calls on key free agents.
This offseason alone, 31 players hit some form of free agency (unrestricted, restricted, or exclusive rights). And there’s no relief coming in 2026, with another 36 set to hit the market.
To make things even tighter, Over The Cap projects the Chiefs to be $11.5 million over the cap heading into next season, though that number will shift depending on where the actual cap lands.
Still, the writing’s on the wall. Kansas City is going to have to make some hard choices, and a few familiar faces could be shown the door. Here are four way-too-early cap casualties to keep an eye on in 2026.
Mike Danna
Mike Danna picked the perfect time for a breakout. In 2023, he posted career highs across the board—6.5 sacks, 13 QB hits, and 50 total tackles. That effort earned him a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chiefs in 2024.
But after signing the deal, the production slipped. In 2024, Danna dropped to 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and 41 tackles.
If that trend continues into 2025, Danna could be one of the first names on the chopping block. He’s set to carry a cap hit of $11.2 million in 2026—not outrageous, but not ideal for a rotational pass rusher who’s having trouble getting home.
The Chiefs could save $9 million by releasing him, and they may already be preparing for that possibility after drafting edge rusher Ashton Gillotte in the third round.
Jawaan Taylor
After the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, no position group took more heat than the offensive line. That spotlight led to changes—Joe Thuney was traded, Jaylon Moore was signed, and Josh Simmons was drafted in the first round.
Jawaan Taylor could be next in line for the exit. He’s started 33 games over the last two seasons, but the results have been a mixed bag. At times, he’s held up; other times, it’s been a revolving door on the edge.
Taylor’s cap hit is a massive $27.4 million in both 2025 and 2026. The Chiefs are locked in for this season, but next year? That’s a different story. If they release him before June 1, they can save $20 million. You don’t need a crystal ball to see where this is headed.
Jaylon Moore
Speaking of Moore, his stay in Kansas City might end up being more of a pit stop than a long-term stay.
He spent most of his time in San Francisco backing up Trent Williams, but managed to start 12 games and flashed enough upside to land a two-year, $30 million deal from the Chiefs this offseason.
Then came the draft. When Josh Simmons fell into Kansas City’s lap at the end of the first round, it may have signaled Moore’s role as a placeholder. If Simmons develops quickly, Moore could be the odd man out, especially with an $8 million savings attached to his release after the 2025 season.
Drue Tranquill
Last but not least is Drue Tranquill.
He had another solid season at linebacker in 2024, tallying 94 tackles and two sacks. But the numbers off the field may end up being more important than the ones on it.
The Chiefs just locked up Nick Bolton on a three-year deal, and his cap hit spikes to $19.3 million in 2026. Combine that with Tranquill’s contract, and Kansas City would be dedicating $26.8 million to two inside linebackers.
That’s a tough pill to swallow in today’s NFL, where premium dollars are typically reserved for quarterbacks, pass rushers, and elite skill players. The Chiefs could save $6 million by moving on from Tranquill—and that might be money they need to spend elsewhere.
