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Chiefs Predicted to Lose Two-Time Super Bowl Champion to NFC Playoff Contender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 11:14 AM ET

After going just 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs are hitting the offseason looking to retool. However, they may run into some trouble when it comes to navigating cap space.

Even after restructuring Patrick Mahomes' contract and releasing defensive end Michael Danna, Kansas City sits $6.3 million over the cap. The Chiefs are bound to lose several talented players to free agency, with safety Bryan Cook, cornerback Jaylen Watson and linebacker Leo Chenal all hitting the open market.

With free agency officially beginning on March 11, ESPN's Aaron Schatz projects that Watson won't be returning to Kansas City, instead signing with the Los Angeles Rams.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"Watson is a talented corner with the size (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) to press and the awareness to play zone coverage," Schatz wrote. "He had a phenomenal coverage DVOA in six games in 2024, then was above average (40th out of 98 qualifying) in a full season in 2025."

He started 15 games in 2025, allowing 40 completions, 501 yards, one touchdown and a 79 passer rating on 64 targets. While strong in coverage, he also racked up 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and six pass deflections. Watson was the 16th-highest graded corner (74.1) in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

He's been a key piece of the Chiefs' recent success, playing in three Super Bowls and winning two. As a 2022 seventh-round pick out of Washington State, he's set himself up for a big payday.

Spotrac projects that Watson's market value could earn him a three-year, $37.4 million contract. It's a number the Rams could easily afford, sitting on $44 million of open cap space. After a loss in the NFC Championship Game to the Seattle Seahawks, landing Watson could help Los Angeles reach the ultimate goal of a Lombardi Trophy.

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

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