On the first day of the NFL Free Agency, the Kansas City Chiefs have not only acquired a few players of their own but have also lost some today as well. The Chiefs have lost three rotational players who have each found new homes and acquired new contracts elsewhere.
The Chiefs lost some talent on both sides of the ball, beginning with Running Back Samaje Perine. Then following him was Wide Receiver Justin Watson, and lastly was Defensive Lineman Tershawn Wharton. These departures are only the first few, with more likely to come as the Chiefs continue turning over their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Samaje Perine Joins the Bengals
Perine is heading back to the Cincinnati Bengals on a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Perine played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ offense last season, primarily as a pass-catching back on third downs. With Isiah Pacheco sidelined for much of the year, Perine stepped in and provided a reliable option for Patrick Mahomes.
In 2024, Perine recorded 322 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 28 catches. He also added 92 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground. However, his impact in the postseason was minimal, totaling just 25 scrimmage yards. The Chiefs recently signed Elijah Mitchell, making Perine’s departure somewhat expected.
Perine played for the Bengals from 2019-2022 before joining the Chiefs in 2023. He returns to Cincinnati, where he will complement the Bengals’ young backfield. His pass-blocking ability and experience will be valuable assets for quarterback Joe Burrow. The deal is expected to become official when the new league year begins on March 12.
Justin Watson Signs With the Texans
Watson is leaving Kansas City after three seasons, signing a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Watson’s move comes after playing a key role in the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories. He provided stability in Kansas City’s receiving corps, stepping up when injuries struck.
Watson finished the 2024 season with 22 receptions for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns. Over his three-year tenure with the Chiefs, he totaled 64 receptions for 1,064 yards and 7 touchdowns. Before arriving in Kansas City, he won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, giving him three championship rings in his career.
The Chiefs have already started reshaping their wide receiver room, signing Hollywood Brown to a one-year contract. However, Watson’s departure leaves another spot open in the depth chart. Kansas City still has several wide receivers set to hit free agency, making this a crucial offseason for the position group.
Tershawn Wharton Lands in Carolina
Wharton will join the Carolina Panthers on a three-year, $54 million contract. NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the deal includes $30 million in guaranteed money, securing Wharton’s future through the 2027 season. After playing a rotational role early in his career, Wharton saw an expanded role in 2024.
The former undrafted free agent started 10 games last season, recording a career-high 6.5 sacks. He also tallied 29 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and 7 tackles for loss. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top pass-rushing interior linemen in the league.
Wharton played five seasons in Kansas City, winning two Super Bowls with the franchise. He finished his Chiefs career with 13.5 sacks and 114 total tackles. Now, he joins a Panthers defense looking to improve its pass rush. Wharton’s ability to disrupt the pocket should make him a key piece of Carolina’s defensive front.
Final Thoughts
With the Chiefs losing three key contributors in the first day of free agency on both offense and defense, these losses create openings for the newly acquired players to step into. Perine, Watson, and Wharton were all valuable role players during their time in Kansas City, but the Chiefs have already begun making moves of their own to replace their production.
With free agency still unfolding, the Chiefs will look to continue to find ways to fill out their roster. As the team remains focused on building another championship-caliber team.
