The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed two staff favorites late Monday night on March 10, as the first unofficial day of NFL free agency came to a close.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported the first, stating: “A long-snapper deal: James Winchester is returning to the Chiefs on a 1-year deal for $1.65M, fully guaranteed, source said.”
This reunion was also confirmed by Chiefs Digest insider Matt Derrick, who posted: “James Winchester will be back with the Chiefs in 2025, per source. Year 11 in Kansas City, only trails Travis Kelce in seniority on the team.”
Winchester is not only a 10-year veteran of the special teams department that’s appeared in almost 190 games (including playoffs), but he’s recently been voted as a team captain during the playoffs as well. Although his return was not unexpected, it’s still always an underrated move to get your long snapper under contract — being that it’s an important aspect of the kicking game and good ones are hard to find.
In other news, Derrick also noted that linebacker and fellow special teamer Cole Christiansen will be returning alongside Winchester to bolster Kansas City’s ST unit and depth.
“Chiefs are re-signing LB Cole Christiansen on a one-year deal, per source,” Derrick informed. “The former West Point @ArmyWP_Football cadet and two-time Super Bowl champion is back for year No. 4 with Kansas City.”
Over the past three seasons, Christiansen has suited up for 18 games with the Chiefs (including playoffs). He’s appeared solely on special teams during that time, with 182 ST snaps according to Pro Football Reference.
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