As the Chiefs begin their next playoff run, which players could be enjoying their final postseason stretch with Kansas City?
Here are three players to keep in mind.
The Kansas City Chiefs are attempting to execute a historic feat: a three-peat, which has never been accomplished in the NFL’s Super Bowl era. This playoff run will present opportunity for new faces who have not before appeared with Kansas City in playoff games. However, this upcoming stretch could be the last time we see several Chiefs players wear their colors.
That are some Kansas City players that may be entering their final season with the team? Here are three Chiefs to keep in mind who may leave after the current postseason trip.
1. Defensive Tackle Derrick Nnadi
Derrick Nnadi, a defensive tackle, has re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year contract for the third consecutive summer after his rookie deal expired. He is more recognized as a run stuffer on defense. His ability to fill gaps and take away space has helped to enhance and solidify Kansas City’s run defense in recent seasons.
As effective as Nnadi has been as a run defender, his skill set is one that the Chiefs can easily replace in the future. They have also started using other defenders in obvious run situations more frequently. For example, Nnadi played only 221 defensive snaps in 2024, accounting for only 20% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps this season, according to Pro Football Reference. Those are the lowest marks of any season in his career thus far. And the difference is fairly significant.
The Chiefs have been relying on the same defensive tackle core for quite some time. If there was ever a time when Kansas City decided to finally get younger at the position, it would be this summer. If this is Nnadi’s final season with the Chiefs, he will have at least three Super Bowl rings to his credit, possibly four if Kansas City wins again.
2. Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman
Mecole Hardman has spent his entire professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, with the exception of a brief spell with the New York Jets. Hardman has demonstrated the ability to make sudden impressions in a variety of ways. His effectiveness as a gadget player, earning intentional touches at or behind the line of scrimmage, has helped the offense in certain situations. Meanwhile, Hardman has benefited the Chiefs as a returner, even giving a jolt on punt returns this season.
Nonetheless, there are reasons to believe that Hardman’s run in Kansas City could be his last. Throughout his career, he has sustained numerous injuries. Even late in the season, the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve with a knee ailment.
Meanwhile, Kansas City appears to have found just as impactful replacements as returners late in the season. Nikko Remigio has recently added a spark as a punt returner. And at kick returner, K.C. has a variety of alternatives for the future.
Finally, Kansas City has found their new, younger option for designed, quick touches at wide receiver in Xavier Worthy. Worthy is more well-rounded as a pass catcher than Hardman is. Yet, his juice in those gimmick type of plays is just as steady.
3. Wide Receiver Justin Watson
Justin Watson has spent less time with the Chiefs than Nnadi and Hardman. He has won a Super Bowl in each of his previous seasons in Kansas City. If this is his final season in red and gold, Watson will undoubtedly want to make it three Super Bowl victories in row. Watson’s status as a top-two wide receiver on the depth chart will not mislead anyone. He is a valuable asset as a third or fourth option in passing scenarios. He seemed to have acquired Patrick Mahomes’ trust over the last two years.
However, Watson’s targets were reduced this year. He was targeted 32 times this season, down from 53 in 2023. Part of this is due to the signings of Worthy and, in particular, DeAndre Hopkins as vital components surrounding Mahomes.
Last year, Watson made some difficult catches in traffic and downfield. However, with upgrades already made at wide receiver this year, Kansas City could easily phase him out during the offseason with additional wide receiver moves. Furthermore, some teams attempting to rebuild their wide receiver corps may see Watson as a valuable depth acquisition owing to his experience on winning teams.
