The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy this offseason, bringing back key contributors and adding new talent to rebuild their roster. Several players—both returning veterans and fresh faces—spoke with the media about their decisions to join or remain with the team. They also spoke about what they hope to bring to the defending AFC champions this upcoming season.
Among those returning are Linebacker Nick Bolton, Wide Receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Running Back Kareem Hunt, and Long Snapper James Winchester. Meanwhile, the Chiefs welcomed new additions such as Quarterback Gardner Minshew, Offensive Lineman Jaylon Moore, Running back Elijah Mitchell, Cornerback Kristian Fulton, and Defensive Lineman Jerry Tillery. Each player shared insight into their decisions and goals for the 2025 season.
Returning Veterans: Loyalty and Unfinished Business
Nick Bolton signed a three-year, $45 million extension this offseason, keeping him in Kansas City. After a disappointing Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Bolton felt he had unfinished business. “We didn’t play our best football in that game,” he said. “I had an opportunity to come back and give myself a chance to get back to that game and a better outcome.”
Despite having the option to test free agency, Bolton quickly re-signed with the Chiefs. “Having the familiarity, the scheme, and players around me that I’m comfortable with, and having people that believe in you—that’s one of the big things for me.” His return was met with enthusiasm from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who texted him, “This is a great way to start the weekend off.”
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown also opted to return on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. After missing most of last season due to injury, he was eager to get another chance in Kansas City. “I knew all along I wanted to be back,” he said. “They voiced their opinion of wanting me back, and we had some unfinished business.” Brown cited Patrick Mahomes as a key factor in his decision, stating, “That’s my guy. We talked about being here, so I definitely had to make it happen.”
Hunt is also back on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, thanking the front office for bringing him back. “It was good to talk with Coach Reid, and I want to thank Veach and Clark Hunt for giving me another shot.” With Samaje Perine leaving in free agency, Hunt will likely continue to have an expanded role. “Possibly, but I’m just doing whatever Coach Reid and those guys ask me to do,” he said. “I will play my role and do whatever helps the team win.”
New Additions: Fresh Faces Ready To Contribute
Gardner Minshew joined the Chiefs on a one-year deal, embracing the opportunity to learn from Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes as the team’s backup quarterback. “I’m super fired up just to be part of a winning organization and culture,” he said. “I feel like I have so much to learn from how Coach Reid operates, how Pat operates, and I’m just looking to help in any way I can.”
Minshew understands the challenges of being an NFL quarterback and sees his role as a valuable support system for Mahomes. “Being a starting quarterback in the NFL is a hard deal, especially with all the expectations. Sometimes, just having a safe place in the quarterback room to let off some steam is super important. I just look forward to helping him any way I can.”
Jaylon Moore signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Chiefs, bringing his experience from San Francisco to Kansas City. “It happened really fast, so I’m not really sure of all the teams involved, but after we got the deal done, I was stoked,” he said. “It was a great conversation between the coaching staff and me.” Elijah Mitchell also joined the Chiefs this offseason coming from the 49ers where he spent his first four seasons. He signed a two-year, $8 million contract. Mitchell says he feels 100% and will be ready when the Chiefs OTAs begin. He missed last season due to a hamstring injury but is now excited about the new opportunity. “It’s a fresh start for me,” he said. “Kansas City is an explosive offense, and I’m looking forward to contributing however I can.”
Defensive and Special Teams Reinforcements
Cornerback Kristian Fulton, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal, believes Kansas City is the perfect fit for him. “You don’t get to this level in the NFL without having a great defense, and the past few years, that has been on display,” he said. “They’ve had some of the top guys in the league, and I thought it was a great fit for me.”
Defensive Lineman Jerry Tillery also joined the Chiefs this offseason on a one-year deal. He is looking to impact their defensive front. While speaking to the media, Tillery emphasized his excitement to work in Steve Spagnuolo’s system and contribute to a championship-caliber team. “Kansas City is a place where I can thrive,” he said. “They’ve got a great scheme, and I’m looking forward to fitting in and making plays.”
James Winchester, who has been with the Chiefs since 2015, re-signed on a one-year, $1.65 million deal, making him the highest-paid player at his position. “I spoke to my agent, and our goal was to come back to Kansas City. It’s home and where I want to be, so there really wasn’t a big desire to entertain other teams.” As for how much longer he wants to play, he remains focused on the present. “My answer has never changed: I’ll keep playing as long as I can contribute and help the team win.”
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs have successfully retained key players while bringing in new talent to bolster their roster for the 2025 season. Veterans like Bolton, Brown, and Hunt are motivated by unfinished business, while newcomers like Minshew, Moore, Fulton, and Mitchell are eager to make an impact. Each player has reasons for being in Kansas City, but they all share a common goal. Helping the Chiefs compete for another Super Bowl.
As the offseason continues, these additions and re-signings set the stage for an intense and competitive training camp. With familiar faces returning and fresh talent arriving, the Chiefs are poised to enter the new season with a strong and motivated roster.
