On Sunday, a number of players from both the Chiefs and 49ers will have one last chance to put some film on their 2023 reel before hitting free agency. Both teams won their respective conferences by virtue of deep, talented rosters, and if any of the impending free agents depart during the offseason, it shouldn’t be enough to hurt either team’s chances in 2024.
Still, there are some notable names on the free agency list. In fact, Chiefs GM Brett Veach discussed two of his notable expiring contracts today. The executive made it clear that he wants to re-sign pass rusher Chris Jones and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, but he also admitted the financial difficulties of committing big money to the two players. Jones is seeking a contract that will pay him more than $30MM annually, while Sneed will sit towards the top of the CB market and will likely command lucrative offers from rival teams.
The Chiefs have a number of other contributing players who are set to hit free agency, including linebackers Drue Tranquill and Willie Gay Jr., defensive end Michael Danna, and offensive tackle Donovan Smith.
The 49ers don’t have the same number of question marks heading into the offseason, but they’ll still have to make some tough decisions on veteran free agents.
Despite 2023 marking his age-33 season, safety Tashaun Gipson continued to produce. The veteran started all 16 of his appearances for San Francisco, finishing with 60 tackles. Gipson inked a one-year extension to stick with the 49ers for the 2023 campaign, and while he might be able to garner a higher offer elsewhere, it wouldn’t be a huge shock if he’s back with the team next year.
Chase Young is another interesting name, as the former second-overall pick was traded to the 49ers for a third-round pick back in November. The 2023 campaign ended up being Young’s healthiest and most productive season since his rookie year, with the 24-year-old finishing with 7.5 sacks and 15 QB hits in 16 games. The Commanders previously declined Young’s fifth-year option, making him a free agent after this season.
Between the two conference champs, there are 46 impending free agents. We’ve listed all of the players below, along with their free agent status:
Kansas City Chiefs
- G Nick Allegretti, UFA
- TE Blake Bell, UFA
- S Deon Bush, UFA
- G Mike Caliendo, ERFA
- LB Jack Cochrane, ERFA
- DE Michael Danna, UFA
- S Mike Edwards, UFA
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, UFA
- TE Jody Fortson, RFA
- QB Blaine Gabbert, UFA
- LB Willie Gay Jr., UFA
- WR Mecole Hardman, UFA
- DE Malik Herring, RFA
- WR Richie James, UFA
- CB Nazeeh Johnson, ERFA
- DT Chris Jones, UFA
- RB Jerick McKinnon, UFA
- DT Derrick Nnadi, UFA
- LT Donovan Smith, UFA
- CB L’Jarius Sneed, UFA
- P Tommy Townsend, UFA
- LB Drue Tranquill, UFA
- OT Prince Tega Wanogho, RFA
- DE Tershawn Wharton, UFA
- LS James Winchester, UFA
San Francisco 49ers
- QB Brandon Allen, UFA
- G Ben Bartch, RFA
- LB Oren Burks, UFA
- WR Chris Conley, UFA
- QB Sam Darnold, UFA
- TE Ross Dwelley, UFA
- C Jon Feliciano, UFA
- DE Clelin Ferrell, UFA
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, UFA
- FS Tashaun Gipson, UFA
- DT Kevin Givens, UFA
- LB Randy Gregory, UFA
- WR Jauan Jennings, RFA
- DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, UFA
- DT Javon Kinlaw, UFA
- WR Ray-Ray McCloud, UFA
- CB Terrance Mitchell, UFA
- G Matt Pryor, UFA
- CB Logan Ryan, UFA
- TE Charlie Woerner, UFA
- DE Chase Young, UFA