Chiefs News 1/31: Chiefs Have Two Top-10 Defensive Free Agents

The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, and with the free agency period approaching, there’s buzz surrounding some key players on the defensive side of the ball. The Chiefs have two top-10 defensive free agents in safety Bryan Cook and cornerback Jaylen Watson, both of whom are set to hit the open market. As the Chiefs continue to prepare for the future, these two players could play a significant role in their offseason plans.

Bryan Cook: A Rising Star in the Secondary

Bryan Cook, the 26-year-old safety, has emerged as one of the top defensive players on the Chiefs’ roster after a breakout season in 2025. Cook, who was drafted in 2022, took significant strides in his development last season, earning a career-high 83.5 PFF overall grade. That placed him as the fifth-highest-rated safety among all qualifying players. What stands out about Cook’s performance is his ability to excel in both run defense and coverage, a rare combination for a safety. He posted an 80.1 grade in run defense and an impressive 83.2 grade in coverage, solidifying his role as one of the league’s most well-rounded safeties.

Cook’s standout performance also includes ranking above the 90th percentile in missed tackle rate among safeties. While his previous seasons didn’t necessarily reflect the same level of success, his rapid improvement in 2025 has made him a key figure in the Chiefs’ secondary. With a projected AAV of $14.2 million, Cook is expected to be one of the top-paid safeties in the upcoming free agency class. For the Chiefs, retaining Cook could be a priority, but they will likely face competition from other teams looking to add an elite safety to their defense.

Jaylen Watson: Consistency and Length at Cornerback

Joining Cook as another potential top free agent is cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer in the Chiefs’ secondary. Over the past three seasons, Watson has earned a 68.0-plus PFF overall grade each year, including a standout 74.9 coverage grade that ranks him in the 85th percentile among cornerbacks. Watson has been a key player in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme, offering solid coverage and high-percentile length that makes him a valuable asset on the outside.

At just 26 years old, Watson still has room for growth and could become a cornerstone of a team’s defense for years to come. His projected AAV of $12.5 million places him in line with other top cornerbacks on the market, and his consistent play could make him one of the more sought-after free agents this offseason. For the Chiefs, retaining Watson would solidify their cornerback depth, but given their financial constraints, they may have to make some tough decisions.

The Chiefs’ Defensive Free Agent Dilemma

Both Cook and Watson are key pieces of the Chiefs’ defense, but the team faces a dilemma in how to allocate their resources. The Chiefs are already over the projected salary cap for 2026, so keeping both players could be a challenge. The front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, will likely have to make tough decisions on how to balance their financial commitments, especially with other areas of the roster in need of improvement.

In addition to Cook and Watson, the Chiefs have other free agents and roster decisions to make. The team has a number of important defensive players set to hit the market, and with limited cap space, the Chiefs will have to decide which players are most crucial to their future. However, retaining Cook and Watson would provide the Chiefs with a strong foundation in the secondary, which remains one of the team’s strengths.

The Chiefs’ Strategy Moving Forward

As the Chiefs approach free agency, their strategy will likely revolve around maintaining a balance between keeping their core defensive players and addressing other roster needs. With the salary cap expected to increase to around $301 million to $305 million in 2026, the Chiefs will have some flexibility, but they will still need to make calculated decisions on how to allocate their resources.

One option for the Chiefs could be to work out contract extensions for Cook and Watson that spread out the cap hits, allowing them to retain their defensive strength while also making room for other key acquisitions. Alternatively, if the Chiefs are unable to re-sign both players, they may look to bolster the secondary through the draft or by signing other free-agent cornerbacks and safeties.

The Broader Picture for the Chiefs

While the Chiefs’ defense has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, the offense remains a focal point. The team will also be looking to upgrade their offensive line and receiving corps to ensure that quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the support he needs to continue performing at an MVP level. However, maintaining a strong defense is just as critical, especially with the AFC West becoming increasingly competitive.

With free agency and the draft looming, the Chiefs will need to carefully balance their approach to roster-building, keeping their championship window open while ensuring they don’t lose key pieces of their defensive unit.

The Chiefs are entering an important offseason, with key decisions ahead regarding their defensive free agents, particularly Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson. Both players have played crucial roles in the Chiefs’ success, and their potential departures could significantly impact the team’s defensive outlook. How the Chiefs manage these contracts, along with other key roster moves, will be pivotal in determining their ability to compete for another Super Bowl in 2026.