NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year officially began Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can now be made official. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Kansas City Chiefs and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Carson Wentz, QB
The Chiefs signed former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Carson Wentz to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Chiefs have their new backup to Patrick Mahomes. Blaine Gabbert held that job for one year and Chad Henne for several seasons before that. Wentz brings more potential upside than either of the others if an injury to Mahomes puts him in the lineup for an extended period of time. He played at something approaching an MVP level for a time with the Philadelphia Eagles, though that was a few seasons and four teams ago.
What's the risk: Wentz is on a one-year contract, so if things don't work out the Chiefs will be free to move on at the end of the season. The Chiefs wanted an older veteran to be in the quarterback room with Mahomes early in his career to help him learn. They don't feel that's as necessary now at this stage of Mahomes' career.
Mike Danna, DE
The Chiefs re-signed defensive end Mike Danna to a three-year deal.
What it means: The Chiefs have retained all of the major players from last season's defensive line. They could have faced heavy losses but re-signed potential free agents in Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton and now Danna. Where it once appeared like the Chiefs would need to draft a defensive lineman, it isn't necessary now. Danna is a versatile player who can play different positions on the line. He had a career high 6.5 sacks last season.
What's the risk: Not much. The Chiefs know what they are getting with Danna, who played for them for the last four seasons. Danna is only 26, so the best seasons of his career should be ahead of him.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
The Chiefs re-signed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Chiefs have some depth behind their regular featured back, Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs are well-acquainted with Edwards-Helaire, who was their first-round pick in 2020 and the regular featured back for more than two seasons before being replaced by Pacheco. Edwards-Helaire was never as consistently productive as the Chiefs hoped when they drafted him, but he had his moments. He's not starter quality, but the Chiefs aren't asking that of him.
What's the risk: There's a ceiling on what the Chiefs can reasonably expect from Edwards-Helaire, so this move isn't a good one if it prevents the Chiefs from signing or drafting a potentially productive back. They should still bring in a veteran free agent or draft a back. Edwards-Helaire also missed a significant portion of each of his first three seasons with injuries.
Chris Jones, DT
The Chiefs and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones have reached an agreement on a five-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed, his agents told ESPN.
What it means: The Chiefs won't have to chase a third straight Super Bowl without Jones, an important player who has helped the Chiefs win three titles in the past five years. Jones has 67 sacks in the past six seasons, but his value to the Chiefs goes beyond stats. The Chiefs can move on to the rest of their offseason priorities knowing their biggest goal has been accomplished.
What's the risk: Jones played well after receiving his last lucrative contract in 2020, so the Chiefs have little to worry about when it comes to his motivation. A bigger concern is that he turns 30 in July. How many good seasons does he have left, and what kind of bill do the Chiefs get stuck with if Jones doesn't continue to play at an All-Pro level?
Marquise Brown, WR
Former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $11 million with the Chiefs, sources told ESPN.
What it means: The Chiefs have the veteran wide receiver they desperately needed. Brown is fast and appears to be a good fit for what the Chiefs want to do offensively. Brown could be the consistent deep threat they haven't had since trading Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs still need at least one more receiver to fill out their group for 2024 but can handle that in the draft if they so choose.
What's the risk: Because of injuries, Brown hasn't played a full season since 2021. He had the lowest totals of his career last season in yards per target (5.7) and catch percentage (50.5). That could have had more to do with larger problems with the Cardinals than Brown but those stats bear watching.
Drue Tranquill, LB
The Chiefs reached an agreement with linebacker Drue Tranquill on a three-year, $19 million deal that includes $13 million fully guaranteed, sources told ESPN.
What it means: The Chiefs were able to retain a versatile linebacker who became an important member of one of the NFL's top defenses in his one season with the Chiefs. The Chiefs are likely to lose one of their other top linebackers, Willie Gay, as a free agent, so re-signing Tranquill makes a lot of sense. Tranquill led the Chiefs' linebackers in sacks with 4.5 and tackles with 79.
What's the risk: There shouldn't be much with Tranquill. The Chiefs played against him twice each season in his four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and know him well from his one season in Kansas City. He picked up the Chiefs' defensive system immediately and started eight games. Many of his starts were as an injury replacement, but look for him to get even more work in 2024 and beyond.
Tershawn Wharton, DT
The Chiefs are re-signing defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton to a one-year deal, a source told ESPN.
What it means: The Chiefs retain a member of their defensive line rotation. Wharton was in the lineup for 37% of the defensive snaps last season. He was third among the linemen in the regular playing rotation in run stop win rate at 26% and also finished with two sacks. Look for him to have a similar role in 2024.
What's the risk: Not much. Wharton has played four seasons since joining the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, so they know what they're getting. Chris Jones, George Karlaftis and others are the stars on the defensive line, but Wharton will fill in some of the gaps with solid if, not spectacular, play.
Irv Smith Jr., TE
The Chiefs are signing former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal, a source told ESPN.
What it means: The Chiefs added a player who potentially gives them another receiving threat at tight end, joining Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. This signing could signal a return to more of the three-tight end formations that Andy Reid favored earlier in his time with the Chiefs, particularly with the Chiefs being so thin at wide receiver right now.
What's the risk: Smith's catches have diminished in each of his four seasons in the NFL, going from 36 as a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 to 18 with the Bengals last year. He hasn't played a full season since that rookie year, and he missed all of 2021 with an injury. It's possible the Chiefs get little or no return from Smith if he doesn't stay healthy.
Derrick Nnadi, DT
The Chiefs re-signed defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, according to his agents.
What it means: A six-year starter next to Chris Jones on the Chiefs' defensive line is back for a seventh season. Nnadi has mostly played on running downs and come out of the lineup in passing situations. That pattern is unlikely to change in 2024.
What's the risk: Nnadi injured his triceps in the Chiefs' wild-card victory over the Miami Dolphins, ending his postseason. The injury is unlikely to interrupt his 2024 season, but the situation bears watching.
Deon Bush, S
The Chiefs are re-signing safety Deon Bush to a one-year deal, a source told ESPN.
What it means: Bush is mainly a special teams player but also adds experienced safety depth. He spent much of last season on the Chiefs' practice squad before being signed to the active roster. He had a fourth-quarter interception of a Lamar Jackson pass during the Chiefs' AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
What's the risk: Not much. Bush played for the Chiefs the past two seasons, so they know what they're getting. They won't ask for much help from him on defense unless an injury opens up playing time.
James Winchester, LS
The Chiefs are re-signing long snapper James Winchester to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Chiefs will retain their long-time deep snapper. The Chiefs were eager to retain Winchester, particularly after losing punter Tommy Townsend in free agency. The Chiefs didn't want to lose two pieces of the kicking operation to go along with Harrison Butker.
What's the risk: Not much. They are familiar with Winchester since he joined the Chiefs in 2015 and he is back on a one-year deal.