Kansas City Chiefs Begin Offseason Overhaul: Three Free Agents Who Won’t Return in 2026

With Week 18 in the books, the Kansas City Chiefs can officially shift their focus to the offseason, evaluating needs, roster composition, and potential moves for 2026.

While the additions the team makes are critical, just as important are the pieces the Chiefs decide to part ways with, refusing to settle for underperforming players or past successes.

One of the key issues in the 2025 season was relying too heavily on the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. Contentment with mediocrity contributed to the team’s disappointing results, highlighting the necessity of roster changes this offseason.

Here’s a look at three free agents who, under no circumstances, should be expected to return to the Kansas City roster in 2026.

1. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

The veteran receiver posted just 345 receiving yards and a single touchdown in 2025, marking an underwhelming campaign for a once-dominant playmaker.

It isn’t just the stats that rule him out; the eye test exposes the struggles of Kansas City’s receiver depth. Smith-Schuster appeared slow and often unable to separate from defenders, making tackles easy after catches.

While JuJu has been a valued contributor—winning a Super Bowl in 2022 and helping the Chiefs to the AFC title last season—his peak years are clearly behind him.

It’s been eight years since his only 1,000-yard season, and he has now failed to surpass 500 yards in three straight campaigns.

Kansas City needs to turn the page at wide receiver, opening opportunities for younger, faster playmakers who can add explosiveness to the offense. Smith-Schuster’s roster spot is better suited for new talent ready to make an immediate impact.

The Chiefs must address depth and playmaker scarcity, and moving on from JuJu is an essential first step in this process.

2. Nikko Remigio, WR

Before the 2025 season, special teams coordinator Dave Toub publicly advocated for keeping Remigio on the roster. The Chiefs agreed, choosing him over Skyy Moore, who has since flourished with the San Francisco 49ers.

Unfortunately, Remigio’s season was underwhelming. He averaged just 25.6 yards per return and was never a true threat in the return game. Plays often involved catching punts or kickoffs that could have safely reached the end zone.

While he possesses reliable hands, his limited upside and lack of awareness on returns hinder his value. As a receiver, Remigio contributed even less, being targeted only once across 31 offensive snaps, despite playing nine more games than he did in 2024.

For the Chiefs, there is no compelling reason to retain a depth player who cannot impact the offense or special teams.

Remigio’s tenure in Kansas City is over, and it remains to be seen whether another franchise can unlock his potential.

3. Gardner Minshew, QB

Gardner Minshew is set to become a free agent after suffering a knee injury that ended his 2025 season just a week after Mahomes’ absence.

There is no ill will toward Minshew, but the Chiefs have far more attractive options than a quarterback coming off a season-ending injury.

While sitting behind Mahomes can be appealing for quarterbacks aiming to rebuild value or chase a Super Bowl, Kansas City’s focus is on finding a reliable QB2, either a veteran capable of delivering predictable performance or a rookie who can be developed as a long-term option.

Chris Oladokun has shown he is not yet ready to step into the QB2 role, reinforcing the need for a more experienced backup.

Options like an aging veteran such as Joe Flacco or a high-upside rookie are likely to be considered, leaving Minshew out of Kansas City’s future plans.

Conclusion

The Chiefs’ offseason philosophy is clear: no patience for mediocrity, no reliance on past glories.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Nikko Remigio, and Gardner Minshew each failed to make a meaningful impact in 2025, and all three will be replaced as Kansas City seeks to retool a roster around youth, depth, and versatility.

For the Chiefs to rebound in 2026, turning the page on these players is essential, allowing room for new talent to emerge in a roster that cannot rely solely on Mahomes and Reid to carry it forward.