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Chiefs Make Roster Decision Before NFL Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 3:01 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a very disappointing 2025 season. They finished the regular season with a record of 6-11, their lowest win total since 2012, as they missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

A big part of Kansas City's lack of success last season was due to the struggles of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He had the lowest completion percentage of his career at 62.7% to go along with 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.

Mahomes played just 14 games for the Chiefs in 2025, as he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and head coach Andy Reid.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense struggled last year, one part of Kansas City's team that has been very steady over the past decade-plus is its long snapper, James Winchester.

Winchester, who played his college football with the Oklahoma Sooners, signed with the Chiefs in 2013 as an undrafted free agent. Since then, he has been Kansas City's main long snapper, playing 181 games and winning three Super Bowls over his 11-year tenure.

On Saturday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs reached an agreement on a one-year deal to retain Winchester.

"The #Chiefs have agreed to terms to bring back long snapper James Winchester, per source, as he gets a 1-year, $1.75M fully guaranteed deal. This keeps him as the NFL’s highest paid long snapper," Rapoport said.

The #Chiefs have agreed to terms to bring back long snapper James Winchester, per source, as he gets a 1-year, $1.75M fully guaranteed deal. This keeps him as the NFL’s highest paid long snapper. pic.twitter.com/zCzMR9wSPo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2026