Where Kansas City Chiefs stand on Day 2 of NFL’s open-negotiation period

The Kansas City Chiefs had a mostly quiet start to the open free-agency negotiation period, mainly because they completed their major work last week.

The Chiefs signed defensive tackle Chris Jones — considered the top NFL free agent available — to a long-term contract Saturday. The team made the deal official Monday, with general manager Brett Veach saying Jones “earned every bit of this record-breaking contract.”

Understandably, that move has limited some of Kansas City’s other efforts. The Chiefs didn’t have much in the way of transactions Monday, even as other teams made significant deals; KC brought back long-snapper James Winchester and offered tenders to a few exclusive-rights free agents who have no option but to sign.

Will Tuesday be more eventful? The Chiefs could still trade cornerback L’Jarius Sneed soon. He should be a coveted piece following a standout season. The Chiefs, who designated Sneed with the franchise tag, could not only use draft compensation in return, but also could be helped by clearing Sneed’s $19 million off the books.

A reminder: Any free-agent deals announced Tuesday can’t become official until the NFL’s new calendar year begins Wednesday.

Our Sam McDowell wrote Monday about what he believed the Chiefs should do with each of their unrestricted free agents.

Here’s a look at the Chiefs-related moves so far Tuesday:

Willie Gay joins Saints

Linebacker Willie Gay agreed to a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, The Star has confirmed. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, who reported the deal first, said it’s worth a maximum of $5 million.

Gay, 26, was selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2020 Draft. He started 47 games over the past four seasons while posting career highs in tackles (88) and sacks (2.5) during the 2022 season.

Chiefs agree to sign TE Irv Smith Jr.

The Chiefs have agreed to a one-year deal with former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr., according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. NFL insider Ari Meirov reported the contract is for $1.3 million.

Smith, who turns 26 in August, caught 18 passes for 115 yards with a touchdown for the Bengals last season. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Smith profiles as depth at the tight-end spot behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray, especially in the three-tight-end sets that the Chiefs ran with success in last year’s playoffs.

Chiefs bringing back Deon Bush

KC has agreed to re-sign safety Deon Bush on a one-year deal, according to Schefter.

Bush, who will be 31 in August, played in six games for the Chiefs last season as a backup safety and special-teams contributor. He was in for one snap on defense in Super Bowl LVIII: the Chiefs’ final defensive play in regulation when defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo utilized a blitz with a rare seven-defensive-back look.

Chiefs to restructure Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs will be opening up salary-cap room by restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract, according to Schefter. With the upcoming move, Schefter said, KC is expected to “create an additional $21.6 million worth of salary-cap space.”

Here’s a quick recap of what took place Monday with the Chiefs:

Chiefs officially announce re-signing of Chris Jones

Jones, who will turn 30 in July, was the unquestioned leader of the Chiefs’ defense last season. He earned first-team All-Pro honors with a 10 1/2-sack season.

In a video posted to the Chiefs’ X (formerly Twitter) account, Jones shared his excitement following the deal.

“We’ve got five more years of greatness,” Jones said in the video. “I will be retiring a Chief. This is everything we dreamed about, talked about. Now it’s more Super Bowl rings, man. Let’s go.”

Tommy Townsend agreed to a deal with the Houston Texans

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the contract, saying it will be a two-year, $6 million pact.

Townsend, 27, spent his previous four seasons with the Chiefs, which included a first-team All-Pro campaign in 2022.

KC seemed to hint at Townsend’s looming departure last month when it signed punter and former 2022 sixth-round pick Matt Araiza.

The Chiefs agreed to terms with Winchester

A source familiar with the situation confirmed the transaction to The Star.

Guard Nick Allegretti joined the Washington Commanders

The Star confirmed Allegretti agreed to a three-year deal with his new team.

Allegretti, a backup most of the season before starting at left guard in Super Bowl LVIII, spent his previous five NFL seasons with KC after the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round of the 2019 draft.

KC gave exclusive rights tenders to five players

KC offered tenders to linebackers Cole Christiansen and Jack Cochrane, guard Mike Caliendo, defensive end Malik Herring and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson.

The moves are procedural. Exclusive rights free agents — players with three or fewer accrued seasons and expiring contracts — must sign with their current team if they are offered a tender. Those deals are one-year contracts at the league minimum salary, based on each player’s experience.