Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Chiefs Get Prediction After $31.5 Million Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 12:28 PM ET

Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs had their worst season since the head coach joined the team in 2013. After beginning 2025 with a 6-5 record, firmly in the NFL playoff race, the Chiefs finished on a six-game losing streak, ending with a 6-11 record and missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Now, the Chiefs have begun preparation for the 2026 season, making numerous changes to Reid's coaching staff. This includes parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and bringing back Eric Bieniemy to replace him. But Kansas City could also be losing numerous players, already sitting about $55 million over the salary cap. Similarly, last offseason, the Chiefs saw a key defender depart in free agency.

New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid (21) carries the ball for a touchdown after making an interception against the Atlanta Falcons.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Justin Reid, after three college seasons with the Stanford Cardinal, was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After four seasons in Houston, Justin Reid signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Chiefs in the hopes he could help replace former starting safety Tyrann Mathieu.

During his tenure with Kansas City, Reid became a big contributor on defense, totaling 265 tackles, three interceptions and 23 passes defended, helping the Chiefs win two Super Bowls in three appearances. But following the 2024 season, Justin Reid decided it was time for another change, signing another three-year, $31.5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.

With the loss of Justin Reid, the Chiefs can expect a compensatory pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Under NFL rules, "a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks." These are usually positioned within rounds three through seven and fall near the end of the round.

This week, Over the Cap released its 2026 compensatory pick projections, and Kansas City is predicted to receive an extra fifth-round pick following Justin Reid's departure to the Saints.

Over The Cap is projecting the #Chiefs to land a compensatory pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft for the departure of Justin Reid.
— Arrowhead Corner (@ArrowheadCorner) January 25, 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft will begin on April 23, when the Chiefs select with the No. 9 pick in the first round. And if they do, in fact, get a fifth-round compensatory pick, that selection will be made two days later on April 25.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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