So far, on March 13, the Kansas City Chiefs have had a total of three free agent departures compared to one new addition — tight end Irv Smith Jr. — and several re-signings.
There are always losses when you win a championship, let alone two straight titles, and the most recent exits were offensive lineman Nick Allegretti and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II said goodbye to the pair of teammates publicly on March 13.
“One of the best teammates i ever had! Congrats on everything brotha! ” Mahomes replied to Allegretti’s farewell post on X. The former seventh-round selection had been with the organization since 2019.
In a similar quote post, Mahomes also told Gay that he is “going to miss you brotha! ” Gay was drafted one year behind Allegretti in 2020.
Willie Gay Jr. gave many thanks in an emotional farewell to the Kansas City Chiefs organization and fanbase on Wednesday.
After four seasons with the Chiefs, the 26-year-old running back reached an agreement with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.
Gay, who joined Kansas City as a second-round pick in 2020, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude towards the Chiefs and excitement for his new venture.
‘Chiefs Kingdom!!!!’ he opened with red and yellow heart emojis. ‘Man, I’m so blessed you took a chance on this country boy from Mississippi. Lord knows I was so scared moving 10 hours away from home, lol, but the Amazing fans and people in general here made my transition so much easier. People of Kansas City, I love you all.
‘To The Hunt Family, Brett Veach, Coach Spags, and my favorite, lol, BIG RED, THANK YOU GUYS for accepting me for who I was coming in as just a young, energetic football-loving Young man. Over four years, I’ve been to 3 Super Bowls and four AFC championships and won 2 rings. Ok, I’m done bragging.’
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‘But I’m so thankful for the Chiefs organization. I LOVE YALL FOREVER. Now I have to see if I can get my son to stop watching and singing the Red Kingdom videos. I’m so excited for the next chapter of my career #WHODAT NATION it’s go time.’
Gay’s tenure with the Chiefs showcased his prowess as a playmaker, significantly contributing to the team’s success. His departure coincides with the Chiefs’ pursuit of a historic three-peat in the Super Bowl era.
Over four seasons in Kansas City, Gay participated in 57 games, amassing 233 tackles, with 150 being solo and 83 assisted. Additionally, he registered five sacks for the Chiefs.
During their consecutive championship runs, Gay played a pivotal role with 95 solo tackles and 50 assisted tackles.
In his absence, the reigning champions will turn to linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill for the upcoming season. They may also explore prospects in the position during April’s draft or available options in free agency.
Gay has now joined the Saints, who concluded last season atop the NFC South with a 9-8