3 Kansas City Chiefs Players Who Could Be Playing Their Final Game with the Team

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to close out another NFL season, attention is already shifting toward what could be a transformational offseason. While fans are well aware of which players are set to become free agents when their contracts expire, roster turnover in the NFL rarely follows only the obvious paths.

Every year, teams part ways with players who are technically under contract—sometimes unexpectedly. Salary cap constraints, schematic changes, younger replacements, and long-term roster planning often force difficult decisions.

For the Chiefs, that reality is looming large.

Kansas City is expected to undergo noticeable roster adjustments this offseason. The front office will need to free up cap space while also addressing depth issues and planning for sustained contention around Patrick Mahomes. Because of that, some players could be entering their final game in a Chiefs uniform this Sunday, even if their contracts extend beyond the current season.

Here are three Kansas City Chiefs players who could surprisingly be playing their final game with the team.

Drue Tranquill — Linebacker

Linebacker Drue Tranquill has been a respected and productive presence for the Chiefs over the past three seasons. Known for his leadership, professionalism, and versatility, Tranquill has contributed both on the field and in the locker room.

From a football standpoint, Tranquill offers:

• Reliable run defense

• Solid range in pass coverage

• Strong communication and leadership

However, as the season has progressed, it has become easier to envision Tranquill as a potential salary cap casualty.

The Chiefs remain firmly committed to Nick Bolton, who is entrenched as a cornerstone of the linebacker unit and highly valued by the coaching staff. In addition, Kansas City has invested in younger linebackers who may be ready for expanded roles as the defense evolves.

Contract and Cap Implications

Tranquill is under contract for next season with:

• $5.24 million base salary

• $7.5 million cap hit

According to Over The Cap, the Chiefs have a clear financial exit:

• $6 million in cap savings

• Only $1.5 million in dead money

Given Kansas City’s need to maximize flexibility, that math is difficult to ignore.

Rather than a straight release, the Chiefs could also explore trading Tranquill to a linebacker-needy team for a Day 3 draft pick, allowing Kansas City to recoup value while clearing space.

While Tranquill has been a steady contributor, roster economics and positional priorities may make his departure one of the more logical—if surprising—moves this offseason.

Mike Danna — Defensive End

Defensive end Mike Danna has quietly seen his role diminish during the 2025 season.

After providing solid production in previous years, Danna’s snap share has dropped significantly:

• 41% of defensive snaps in 2025

• His lowest usage since his rookie season in 2020 (38%)

The decline is not necessarily a reflection of poor play, but rather changing priorities along the defensive line. Kansas City has leaned more heavily on Ashton Gillotte opposite George Karlaftis, and additional defensive line changes are expected heading into 2026.

Why Danna Could Be a Cap Casualty

Like Tranquill, Danna is signed through next season—but the Chiefs have a financial off-ramp.

Per Over The Cap:

• Releasing Danna would create $9 million in cap savings

• Dead money would be limited to $2.166 million

That level of savings is significant for a player whose role has become rotational. With younger pass rushers emerging and the defensive line likely to be reshaped again, Danna’s contract stands out as one of the easiest financial decisions Kansas City could make.

While Danna has been a dependable contributor, his reduced role combined with the cap benefits make him a strong candidate to be moved on from.

Chamarri Conner — Defensive Back

Few Chiefs players have generated as much debate this season as Chamarri Conner.

Originally projected as a safety with versatility, Conner has been asked to play:

• Slot corner

• High-post safety

• Hybrid coverage roles

The results have been inconsistent. While Conner has flashed athleticism and effort, he has also struggled in coverage at times and has been targeted frequently by opposing offenses.

Roster Context and Contract Status

Conner, a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has one year remaining on his rookie contract in 2026. While young players are often given time to develop, the Chiefs have shown in recent seasons that they are willing to move on quickly if the fit isn’t right.

Kansas City’s defensive back room is expected to undergo further evaluation this offseason, particularly with the team prioritizing versatility, coverage reliability, and communication in the secondary.

Cap Impact

Financially, moving on from Conner would not be dramatic—but it still matters:

• Over $1 million in cap savings

• Only $187,842 in dead money

While not a cap-saving move on the level of Tranquill or Danna, releasing or trading Conner would open a roster spot and allow the Chiefs to pursue upgrades through the draft or free agency.

Why Roster Turnover Is Inevitable for Kansas City

The Chiefs remain one of the NFL’s premier organizations, but sustained success comes with difficult choices. Paying elite talent, maintaining depth, and staying competitive requires constant roster optimization.

Kansas City must:

• Manage a tight salary cap

• Prepare for future extensions

• Inject youth and athleticism into key positions

That reality means some familiar faces—despite being under contract—could be wearing different uniforms next season.

Final Thoughts

None of these potential departures are guaranteed. Injuries, market conditions, and internal evaluations will all play a role. However, Drue Tranquill, Mike Danna, and Chamarri Conner each represent players whose future with the Chiefs is less secure than their contracts might suggest.

As Kansas City takes the field for its final game of the season, fans may be watching the last Chiefs appearance for more than a few familiar names.

In the NFL, continuity is valuable—but flexibility wins championships. And for the Chiefs, that balancing act is just beginning.