The strong start to the season by the (5-0) Kansas City Chiefs is proof that the organization made some effective changes this offseason.
However, in many recent Super Bowl memories, Chiefs Kingdom likes to look back at the players who once wore the red and gold. Let’s take a look early in the season at how the players the team moved on from this offseason to 2026 are performing:
New team: Los Angeles Rams
Statistics: 16 tackles (2 for loss), 1 interception and 7 passes broken up in five games
The Chiefs traded McDuffie to the Rams this offseason for a draft pick, and he has been a key part of Los Angeles’ secondary this season. That’s why his groin injury in practice was so important, forcing him to miss the Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals; the Rams lost, falling to 2-4.
So far this season, McDuffie has spent most of his time on the perimeter for the Rams as a lockdown corner. He played just 14% of his defensive snaps in the slot. According to Pro Football FocusHe allowed just five catches on 18 targets, generating a 21.1 passer rating.
New team: Los Angeles Rams
Statistics: 17 tackles (2 for loss), 1 interception and 5 passes broken up in five games
Watson joined McDuffie in Los Angeles and became the starter opposite McDuffie in the outfield. He has arguably made as big an impact in as many games; Watson dislocated his shoulder in Week 3, forcing him to miss Week 4.
He has since returned to the lineup, including an interception against the Buffalo Bills in his first game back on the field. He allowed 12 catches on 20 targets, generating a 71.5 passer rating.
Chiefs Kingdom will see McDuffie, Watson and the Rams in Week 13 on “Thursday Night Football” in Los Angeles.
New team: Cincinnati Bengals
Statistics: 17 tackles, 1 forced fumble and one fumble recovered in four games
Cook has been a staple in Cincinnati’s back end through a 3-2 start, although he missed the Week 4 game with an ankle injury. He returned to the field against the Miami Dolphins in a full-time role with five tackles.
Outside of a forced fumble in Week 1, Cook hasn’t made many splash plays for the Bengals. He forced the quarterback twice on four blitzes, but had a 12% missed-tackle rate (PFF).
Cook and Cincinnati will host the Chiefs for a Week 14 matchup.
New team: Washington Commanders
Statistics: 18 tackles (1 for loss) in three games
Unfortunately, the former Chiefs hybrid linebacker saw his season come to an end after a scary collision in the Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks, which led to season-ending neck surgery.
Former Chief Leo Chenal shared an update after the surgery
Ron experienced it earlier with the two-time Super Bowl champion needing neck surgery after being injured on Sunday. Mr. Death Row itself shared an update later on Monday.
He shared that “the surgery went well.” Xso we look forward to getting more positive updates on Chenal in the future.
New team: Atlanta Falcons
Statistics: 10 quarterback pressures (2 sacks) allowed over 186 pass blocks in six starts
Taylor has missed just a handful of snaps for the Falcons this season, manning the right tackle spot and the blind side for quarterback Michael Penix. He has been called for two penalties this season, although one was declined or offset.
Taylor and Atlanta will host Kansas City for a game in Week 10.
New team: Philadelphia Eagles
Statistics: 12 rushing yards on two attempts
Brown has only been on the field for 17 snaps for Philadelphia’s offense this year and has yet to see a pass go his way.
Brown has missed time with an ankle injury this season, but prior to Week 6, he had no game designation, suggesting he was a healthy scratch.
New team: Washington Commanders
Statistics: 1 tackle, 1 quarterback hit and a pass defended in four games
The big veteran defensive end played 45% of the defensive snaps for the Commanders when he was on the field, but he suffered groin and ankle injuries in Week 4 and hasn’t returned to action since.
New team: Tennessee Titans
Statistics: 3 tackles and 2 passes defended in one game
In his first game of the season, starting in a Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Williams played every defensive snap and broke up two passes.
New team: Indianapolis Colts
Statistics: 13 tackles (2 for loss), 1 QB hit in six games (three starts)
After one year in Kansas City, Tillery found a role in the Colts defensive line rotation, playing 38% of the snaps and starting three games this year.
New team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Statistics: 1 catch for 2 yards in six games
Tonyan has seen the field with his old quarterback friend Aaron Rodgers just 22 times this season; he played more special teams (35 snaps) for Pittsburgh this year.
New team: Dolphins in Miami
Statistics: 8 tackles (2 for loss) in five games played
Herring found a spot in Tennessee’s defense; he’s played 39% of defensive snaps and produced four quarterback pressures on 55 pass rushes so far.
New team: Buffalo Bills
Statistics: 1 game played
Danna appeared in just one game for Buffalo (Week 2, 8 defensive snaps) before he was cut on October 12th; he was reinstated to the team a few days later.
Pacheco was placed on the Reserve/Injured list after undergoing back surgery in the first week of the season. According to CBS Sportsat the time, Pacheco had a 12-week recovery timeline and “could be back in December.”
New team: Philadelphia Eagles
Statistics: 23 carries, 49 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with six catches for 13 yards in two games
Pierce was forced to step down with the Eagles due to injuries to Saquon Barkley and other running backs, who saw more time than he did with the Chiefs.
New team: Arizona Cardinals
Minshew has been Arizona’s third-string quarterback all year, perhaps behind both starter Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck.
2025 Chiefs not currently on a team
- Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster
- Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi
- Running back Kareem Hunt
- Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire