Similar to most of the previous years under general manager Brett Veach, the Kansas City Chiefs are not expected to be one of the NFL’s biggest spenders Wednesday, when the league’s free agency period fully begins. Instead, much of the intrigue surrounding the Chiefs will be whether they’ll be able to retain the services of pass rusher Chris Jones, their best defensive player who is also the league’s best defensive tackle.

Once the negotiations between the Chiefs and Jones reach its conclusion — a period that has lasted almost a year — Veach and coach Andy Reid will have to pivot fully toward free agency, hoping to acquire a few quality veterans to ensure the team remains one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders.

Entering Sunday, the Chiefs have just $1,257,361 million in salary-cap space, according to Over the Cap, which ranks 26th in the league. But the Chiefs can create more space with a couple of moves. They can convert a sizable amount of the roster bonus in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract into a signing bonus. The same could be done with left guard Joe Thuney’s contract. And of course, the Chiefs could trade cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was placed on the franchise tag last week, preventing him from reaching free agency and restricting him to a one-year salary of $19.8 million. If Sneed is traded to another team, the Chiefs would then have an additional $19.8 million to spend elsewhere.

How will the Chiefs spend their money in free agency and which veterans could they pursue? There are plenty of options. Let’s look at our annual “shopping list.”

Player ranks are from Randy Mueller’s top 150 free agents, which was updated late last week.

Wide receivers

No. 21 Darnell Mooney
No. 28 Josh Reynolds
No. 72 Curtis Samuel
No. 83 Marquise Brown

The best scenario for the Chiefs is they are able to replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was released last month, with a capable veteran and the team acquires another talented receiver through the draft.

In terms of complete skill sets that fit the Chiefs, Mooney and Reynolds should receive plenty of attention from Veach and Reid. Mooney excelled in Chicago when Matt Nagy, the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, was the Bears’ coach. The Chiefs pursued Reynolds in the past and he was a contributing player for the Detroit Lions in their success in reaching the NFC Championship Game. If the Chiefs want speed, Brown is the best option for their likely price point.

Samuel’s versatility could also be a fun option for Mahomes and Reid, who is known for moving his receivers around from snap to snap. Samuel should be effective from the slot and the perimeter in the Chiefs’ offense. Coming from the Washington Commanders, the Chiefs should be able to get a good evaluation on Samuel from Eric Bieniemy, the former offensive coordinator who had the same role last year in Washington.

ONE-HAND MOONEY.

📺: #CHIvsMIN on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/78MQfPqpl1 pic.twitter.com/TDuP4mPsb6

— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022

Left tackle

No. 23 Tyron Smith

In the past four years, Veach has prioritized the offensive line. That trend should continue since the Chiefs don’t have their left tackle position solidified. It’s possible Wanya Morris, a third-round pick last year, could earn the coveted spot of protecting Mahomes’ blind side. But Smith, if he can stay healthy, has the talent to be the best tackle in Mahomes’ career if he agrees to join the Chiefs. Smith played in 13 games last season, but that also equaled his highest mark since 2015.

If Smith signs with another team, Donovan Smith could return on another one-year deal. Either scenario — the Chiefs swinging big to sign Tyron Smith or retaining Donovan Smith — should benefit Morris, who could use another year to develop before competing for the starting role.

Running back

No. 48 D’Andre Swift
No. 63 Austin Ekeler
No. 97 Tony Pollard

Consider this position part of the Chiefs’ plans in the second or third wave of free agency. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the former first-round pick in 2020, is an unrestricted free agent. Jerick McKinnon, the Chiefs’ excellent third-down back, is also a free agent and is closer to retirement, as a 10-year veteran, than his prime. Basically, Isiah Pacheco might need a new partner in the backfield.

Each of these three options are interesting, too. Swift is known for his ability to make plays in the open field and on the perimeter. The Chiefs are very familiar with Ekeler, who might be ready to fully transition into a backup, third-down back role. Pollard still has plenty of speed and juice between the tackles. The best part is all three of these running backs catch the ball well, which is a prerequisite for Reid.

Austin Ekeler punches it in in the final seconds of the half 😤

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— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023

Tight end

No. 131 Will Dissly

Once again, Dissly could be replacing longtime veteran Blake Bell. The Chiefs love having three tight ends on the roster and Dissly is one of the more underrated players at his position. He blocks well, is a trusted receiver and can be a solid contributor on special teams.

Defensive ends

No. 79 A.J. Epenesa
No. 118 Dorance Armstrong

Although Epenesa and Armstrong are not Pro Bowlers, they are skilled pass rushers who are also ascending in their careers. Epenesa could be a nice replacement for Mike Danna, who is a first-time free agent. At age 25, Epenesa has collected 13 sacks in the past two seasons combined, so he should be a capable complementary player alongside Jones and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu, who is recovering from a knee injury this offseason.

Armstrong is another defender who has shown he can finish plays when attention is dedicated to another pass rusher. At age 26, Armstrong produced 16 sacks in the past two seasons combined.

First career interception. ☑️
First career touchdown. ☑️

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— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 24, 2023

Cornerback

No. 73 Kendall Fuller

If Sneed is no longer a part of the Chiefs, the team should still make the wise move of adding another veteran cornerback, perhaps on a one-year deal. Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson are all entering their third year. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes having four cornerbacks he can use on game day. Fuller returning to Kansas City would be a good pairing for both parties. Fuller offers plenty of versatility and he was a member of the 2019 team that won the franchise’s first Super Bowl in 50 years.

(Photo of Tyron Smith: Perry Knotts / Getty Images)