Breaking News: 4 Chiefs Who Must Be Re-Signed to Begin the 2025 Offseason
As the 2024 NFL season approaches its thrilling conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking ahead to the 2025 offseason with a mix of anticipation and determination. Having solidified their position as one of the league’s elite teams under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs will face critical decisions in their efforts to maintain and elevate their success. While there is much to consider, one key component to ensuring their continued dominance is keeping core players who contribute greatly to the team’s performance.
The Chiefs’ front office has some crucial decisions to make in terms of which players should be re-signed, especially those whose contracts are nearing their end. As we enter the 2025 offseason, there are four Chiefs who absolutely must be retained for the franchise to remain a Super Bowl contender. These players have proven themselves as pivotal parts of the team and will be essential to the team’s future success. Here, we break down the four Chiefs who need to be re-signed in 2025 and why they must remain in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.
1. Chris Jones – Defensive Force and Leader
Chris Jones is, without a doubt, one of the most important players on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster. The dynamic defensive tackle has proven himself to be one of the league’s premier pass rushers and a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defensive line for years. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks and collapse the pocket is a game-changer, and he’s proven it time and time again, whether in the regular season or the postseason.
Why He Must Be Re-Signed:
Jones has been the heart and soul of the Chiefs’ defense, playing a critical role in their Super Bowl LVII victory and numerous playoff runs. His dominance in the trenches provides a foundation that the Chiefs can build their defense around. With his ability to get after the quarterback (evidenced by his impressive sack totals year after year), Jones is one of the rare interior defenders who can change the outcome of a game.
While Jones has had his contract restructured in the past, his current deal is set to expire after the 2024 season. Given his elite performance and leadership on the defensive line, re-signing him should be one of the Chiefs’ top priorities. Jones’ presence on the field takes immense pressure off the secondary, as his consistent pressure forces quarterbacks to make quicker decisions and often results in hurried throws or even sacks. In addition, his leadership and veteran presence in the locker room are invaluable to a defense that continues to improve year after year.
Re-signing Jones will also allow the Chiefs to maintain their defensive identity, which is essential for their long-term success. With players like Jones at the helm, the Chiefs can continue to challenge the top offenses in the league. His consistency, work ethic, and impact on every play make him a key figure for the Chiefs moving forward.
2. Orlando Brown Jr. – Protecting Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs have had a consistently excellent offensive line in recent seasons, and one of the primary reasons for that has been the play of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Brown, who joined the team in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2021 season, quickly became one of the cornerstones of the Chiefs’ offensive line. His ability to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside is invaluable, especially considering Mahomes’ style of play, which often requires extended plays and movement in the pocket.
Why He Must Be Re-Signed:
Mahomes’ ability to make miraculous throws and extend plays is one of the defining features of the Chiefs’ offense. However, none of that would be possible without solid protection from the offensive line, and Orlando Brown Jr. has been a major contributor to that protection. Since joining the team, Brown has provided stability and a level of consistency that is crucial for the Chiefs’ success. His ability to battle against elite pass rushers on a weekly basis and his protection of Mahomes have earned him a reputation as one of the top left tackles in the NFL.
The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a strength in recent years, and losing a player of Brown’s caliber would significantly hinder the team’s ability to compete for championships. While the team has some solid depth on the line, Brown’s experience and leadership make him indispensable to the Chiefs’ long-term plans.
Brown’s contract is up following the 2024 season, and he is expected to command a hefty salary in free agency. The Chiefs must do everything in their power to secure his future in Kansas City. Given Mahomes’ unique skill set, having a top-tier left tackle is non-negotiable. Re-signing Brown would ensure the continued protection of Mahomes and would maintain the strength of one of the NFL’s top offensive lines.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster – Key Weapon in the Passing Game
After joining the Chiefs on a one-year deal in 2022, JuJu Smith-Schuster quickly established himself as a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes, earning a significant role in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. His ability to run precise routes, make tough catches in traffic, and serve as a consistent possession receiver has been vital to the Chiefs’ offensive success. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, re-signing Smith-Schuster should be high on the priority list.
Why He Must Be Re-Signed:
Smith-Schuster’s impact on the field goes beyond his statistics. While he may not have the explosive speed of some of the other wide receivers in the league, his route-running, ability to make contested catches, and reliability in clutch situations make him an invaluable asset to Mahomes and the offense as a whole. His presence on the field also helps open up opportunities for other playmakers, including Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ younger wide receivers, as defenses must account for him in the passing game.
Additionally, Smith-Schuster has developed a strong rapport with Mahomes, which is crucial for the Chiefs’ offense. Their chemistry has been evident in key moments, including during the postseason, where Smith-Schuster has proven he can step up and make critical catches in big games. His ability to work in the middle of the field and make contested catches in tight spaces provides Mahomes with another reliable option when the deep ball isn’t available.
Re-signing Smith-Schuster would ensure the Chiefs maintain their high-octane offense and continue to operate as one of the most dangerous units in the NFL. His work ethic, leadership, and experience are important assets that can continue to contribute to the Chiefs’ success moving forward.
4. L’Jarius Sneed – Versatile Cornerback and Defensive Playmaker
L’Jarius Sneed, a standout cornerback for the Chiefs, has emerged as one of the most exciting and versatile players in the NFL’s secondary. Since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2020, Sneed has been a key piece in their defense, excelling in coverage, providing playmaking ability, and frequently stepping up in critical moments. His ability to shut down receivers on the outside or contribute to the pass rush with blitzes makes him a highly valuable commodity.
Why He Must Be Re-Signed:
Sneed’s versatility is perhaps his greatest strength. Not only is he a lockdown cornerback, but he also has the ability to be used in a variety of roles within the Chiefs’ defensive schemes. Whether it’s shadowing the opponent’s best receiver, playing in the slot, or blitzing the quarterback, Sneed does it all. His ability to impact both the pass and run game makes him one of the most well-rounded cornerbacks in the NFL.
In addition to his physical talent, Sneed has developed into a leader in the Chiefs’ secondary. His ability to cover elite receivers and make critical plays in key moments (including interceptions and forced fumbles) has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ success, especially in their recent Super Bowl appearances. Having a player like Sneed, who can cover top-tier wide receivers, gives defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo the flexibility to dial up more aggressive schemes and continue to challenge opposing quarterbacks.
As Sneed’s rookie contract nears its end, the Chiefs must act quickly to secure his future with the team. With the Chiefs facing an increasingly competitive AFC, retaining Sneed will be crucial to maintaining their defensive edge and overall championship hopes.
Conclusion
As the Kansas City Chiefs look toward the 2025 offseason, there are several decisions that need to be made to ensure they can continue their Super Bowl contention. The four players highlighted above—Chris Jones, Orlando Brown Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, and L’Jarius Sneed—are all vital components of the Chiefs’ roster and should be at the top of the list for re-signing. Retaining these players will ensure the Chiefs’ defense remains strong, their offense continues to dominate, and their championship window remains open.
The Chiefs have built a winning culture, and re-signing these core players will help preserve the success that has been achieved in recent seasons. By maintaining their key contributors, the Chiefs can continue to be a perennial powerhouse in the NFL, with an eye on adding more Lombardi trophies to their collection in the years to come.
