The Kansas City Chiefs have already been forced to make some difficult decisions in the name of cap compliance, trading and releasing some players who were key members of the team’s Super Bowl runs.
There could be another big departure from the defense in the coming days, an insider predicts.
The Chiefs have several key defensive players slated to hit free agency, including a safety who is coming off a career-best season. ESPN’s Nate Taylor believes that player, Bryan Cook, has likely played his last down in Kansas City.
Chiefs Face Difficult Decisions in the Secondary
Taylor predicted on Friday that Cook would be the most likely departure for the Chiefs, who face free agency decisions on a number of core players. Taylor added that even a pinnacle season for Cook won’t be enough for the cap-strapped Chiefs to bring him back.
“Safety Bryan Cook had the best season of his four-year career in 2025, recording a career-high six pass breakups and 85 tackles,” Taylor wrote. “He has improved throughout his career, and he offers versatility to his next team, whether as a safety who could be the lone deep defender or as a split safety who could disguise the secondary’s coverage.”
Taylor added that he expected the Chiefs to instead prioritize a different level of their defense.
“In past years, general manager Brett Veach has prioritized strengthening the offensive and defensive lines in free agency,” Taylor wrote. “This year, Veach will likely try to make another push to acquire a quality defensive lineman, someone who can provide a boost to the pass rush alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.”
More Cuts for the Chiefs
The Chiefs already parted ways with star cornerback Trent McDuffie, sending him to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster trade that netted them the No. 29 overall pick in this year’s draft along with fifth- and sixth-rounders in 2026 and a third-rounder in 2027.
Albert Breer of SI. Breer responded to a question in a mailbag about whether McDuffie’s departure could make it more likely that Cook or defensive back Jaylen Watson remains on the team next year, but he wasn’t optimistic.
“I don’t think so,” Breer responded. “I’ve heard Watson could get over $15 million per year, and Cook likely lands right around that. The Chiefs, behind DC Steve Spagnuolo and secondary coach Dave Merritt, have done a really good job developing those positions, and my guess is they reluctantly walk away from a couple of players they like because of it.”
The Chiefs face some other question marks, including two on offense that will be largely out of their hands. Tight end Travis Kelce is still contemplating whether to retire or return to the team in 2026, and he would need a new contract if he does come back.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice is also facing a potential suspension after he was accused of domestic assault by his longtime partner. Rice had already been suspended for six games in 2025, and could face more as the NFL evaluates the allegations.
Chiefs Expected to Part Ways With Key Defensive Back After Career-Best Season