Appearing in a Super Bowl is the pinnacle of most players’ careers. Many NFL stars never make it to the big game, some get one shot and then you get the odd Tom Brady/Patrick Mahomes type, who seem to be annual fixtures.
While getting the chance to play for the Vince Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate goal every season, players also have their long-term future to think of.
For a number of players on the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs rosters, Super Bowl LVIII will be the final time they pull on their team’s jersey, as free agency beckons.
Here is a look at the players from each side that will be dipping their toes into the free agent market this spring, with some big names available for those franchises with salary cap space to burn.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones, Mecole Hardman, Mike Edwards, Drue Tranquill, Donovan Smith, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Tommy Townsend, Nick Allegretti, Tershawn Wharton, Prince Tega Wanogho (Restricted Free Agent), James Winchester, Willie Gay Jr., Blaine Gabbert, Jerick McKinnon, Derrick Nnadi, Richie James, Blake Bell, Deon Bush, L'Jarius Sneed, Jody Fortson (Restricted Free Agent), Michael Danna, Malik Herring (Restricted Free Agent), Jack Cochrane (Exclusive Restricted Free Agent), Nazeeh Johnson (Exclusive Restricted Free Agent), Mike Caliendo (Exclusive Restricted Free Agent).
The name at the start of this list is the one that jumps out. Chris Jones is among the top NFL free agents that will be up for grabs this offseason. The Chiefs will have to throw the chequebook at him if they are to hold on to him. The defensive tackle turns 30 this summer, meaning he’s in his peak years and at the top of his negotiating power.
L’Jarius Sneed has shown his value during the playoffs, particularly in the Championship game win over Baltimore. One would imagine that it’s either/or for the Chiefs when it comes to re-signing either Sneed or Jones, as the salary cap is likely to mean that at least one of these two impact players on the defense will depart.
Drue Tranquill has been a steady presence in the team’s linebacking corps, while there will be plenty of suitors for Willie Gay as well. Mike Danna is another on the defensive side who is likely to turn heads and after seeing their defense step up to cover for their misfiring offense earlier in the season, the Chiefs may well have work to do on that side of the ball this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers
Randy Gregory, Chase Young, Sam Darnold, Javon Kinlaw, Tashaun Gipson, Sebastian Joseph, Oren Burks, Clelin Ferrell, Jon Feliciano, Kevin Givens, Ray-Ray McCloud, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Ross Dwelley, Brandon Allen, Chris Conley, Logan Ryan, Matt Pryor, Jauan Jennings (Restricted Free Agent), Ben Bartch (Restricted Free Agent), Charlie Woerner, Terrance Mitchell
The 49ers list of pending free agents is somewhat less daunting than their Super Bowl opponents. Former number two overall draft pick Chase Young was signed in October in a win-now trade-deadline move and has been solid but unspectacular. Plenty of teams will be looking at him once the dust has settled on the season.
Javon Kinlaw is another former first-round draft pick and he hasn’t quite had the career so far that the Niners hoped he would after they allowed DeForest Buckner to head to the Colts. In the secondary, Tashaun Gipson has been playing well of late, but with 12 seasons under his belt. he’s not one for the future. But his experience will ensure he lands a short-term deal either back by the Bay, or elsewhere.
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