The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms on the return of a trusted veteran ahead of free agency with long snapper James Winchester.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Winchester is returning to Kansas City on a 1-year, $1.75 million fully guaranteed deal. The deal keeps him as the league’s highest-paid long snapper.
The 36-year-old has been with the Chiefs since 2015, playing an essential role in each of the last three Super Bowl titles. Winchester is a reliable veteran of Kansas City’s successful run over the past decade, dating back to the early years of head coach Andy Reid.
Since going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, Winchester has played 181 career regular-season games and remains a steady presence on special teams. He shares the team’s record of 25 postseason games played with teammate Travis Kelce.
Winchester will continue in his role as a specialist and locker room leader as the Chiefs look to return to the top of the league in 2026.
