Chiefs Super Bowl champion predicted to leave Kansas City for $40 million Titans contract

One of the many free agents the Kansas City Chiefs have to make a decision on this coming offseason is cornerback Jaylen Watson.

A former seventh-round pick, Watson has exceeded expectations over four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, starting in 21 games over the past two seasons.

After being limited to just six games in 2024, Watson appeared in 15 in 2025 and posted solid coverage numbers, giving up a completion rate of 62.% and a passer rating of 79.0.

As a result, Watson should garner a nice payday in 2026, but Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox predicts it will come from the Tennessee Titans, not the Chiefs.

Knox envisions Watson signing a three-year, $40 million deal with the Titans. Here's Knox's thoughts on the two-time Super Bowl champion signing with Tennessee:

The Titans need an influx of talent and are projected to have the third-most cap space in the league in 2026. They could also use corner help to bolster a defense ranked 29th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.

Tennessee also employs general manager Mike Borgonzi, who joined the Titans after 16 seasons with Kansas City.

Prediction: Watson signs a three-year, $40 million deal with the Titans

Even if the Chiefs want to bring Watson back, it's going to be extremely difficult, as Kansas City is projected to be a whopping $52.7 million over the cap in 2026.

The Chiefs also have to make a decision on fellow cornerback Trent McDuffie, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2026.

Kansas City is highly unlikely to retain both players for the long haul, and keeping even one of them might not be in the cards.

The Titans definitely need to bolster their secondary after ranking as a bottom-10 pass defense in 2025. Tennessee will have a ton of cap space, so they can make Watson a very strong offer.

But the Titans have been burned by former Chiefs cornerbacks before after the failed trade for L'Jarius Sneed that proved to be a very costly mistake.

That could give Tennessee some pause in a pursuit for Watson.

More NFL News:

• Lions, 49ers offseason trade ideas send 1st-round picks and more for $106M star
• Lamar Jackson injury update is huge news for Steelers vs. Ravens
• Cowboys offseason prediction adds $5M RB after Javonte Williams leaves
• Chiefs named ideal landing spot for Seahawks projected $29M free agent
• Raiders rumor from NFL insider sheds light on futures of Carroll, Spytek