Tommy Townsend Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid takes the field in the first quarter of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs led 13-6 at halftime.

One of the Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro players is poised to depart for a rising team within the AFC. Despite managing to keep a few crucial players for a potential third consecutive championship, salary cap constraints will prevent several others from rejoining the team for the 2024 season.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Chris Jones

Kansas City Chiefs, Chris Jones, NFL Free AgencyNov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The highlight of the Chiefs’ offseason was securing Chris Jones, who inked a groundbreaking contract for a defensive tackle to remain in Kansas City. However, with significant investments in Jones and Patrick Mahomes’ contracts, the Chiefs found themselves unable to retain Tommy Townsend due to financial constraints.

Tommy Townsend is set to join the Houston Texans

USATSI 19040708 168400517 lowresSep 11, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Per Adam Schefter with ESPN, the Houston Texans are set to sign Townsend to a two-year deal worth $6 million.

Townsend could face the Chiefs in the playoffs next season

USATSI 18901201 1Aug 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) warms up against the Washington Commanders prior to the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Townsend earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the 2022 season. He will be remembered in Kansas City for a punt in February’s Super Bowl that was fumbled by San Francisco 49ers special teams player Darrell Luter. The late-third-quarter turnover allowed the Chiefs to take their first lead of the game.

Townsend will now join a talented Texans team that could threaten the Chiefs’ threepeat chance next season. The Texans won a playoff game in C.J. Stroud’s first season with the team, and they should only be better in 2024.

The Chiefs planned to part ways with Townsend shortly after the Super Bowl. In February, they signed former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiz