The Kansas City Chiefs are set to lose one of their All-Pro players to an up-and-coming team in the AFC. The Chiefs were able to retain a few key players for the threepeat, but cap concerns will keep several players from returning for the 2024 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Chris Jones

Nov 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 biggest signing of the Chiefs’ offseason was Chris Jones. Jones signed a record-breaking deal for a defensive tackle to stay in Kansas City.  With all of the money they’re spending on Jones and Patrick Mahomes’ contract, the Chiefs couldn’t afford to keep Tommy Townsend.

Tommy Townsend is set to join the Houston Texans

Sep 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

Aug 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 Araiza.