End of an Era? Chiefs’ 2022 Draft Class Faces Uncertain Future Amid Sentiment and Change
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For Jaylen Watson and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2022 draft class, this offseason isn't just about contracts and cap space - it’s about saying goodbye to something special.
Watson, a seventh-round gem who’s grown into a key piece of the Chiefs’ secondary, admitted this week that emotions are running high as the reality of NFL business sets in. The group that arrived in Kansas City together three seasons ago - young, hungry, and unproven - may soon be going their separate ways.
“Those are my brothers for life,” Watson said. “We’ve been through so much - just blood, sweat and tears and hard work together.
It’s gonna be tough, everyone going in their different paths. But I enjoyed the time we had together.”
And what a ride it’s been.
The 2022 draft class didn’t just fill out a roster - it helped shape a championship core. From top to bottom, this group made an impact early and often.
Two Super Bowl titles in their first two seasons, a third trip to the big game, and a locker room culture built on trust, development, and winning. That’s not your average rookie class - that’s a legacy.
But the NFL doesn’t freeze time for sentiment. With Kansas City sitting at 6-8 and already eliminated from playoff contention, the offseason has come early. And with it, the hard questions.
Watson is one of several players from that 2022 class set to hit free agency. He’s not just a fan favorite - he’s a player with real market value.
ESPN recently ranked him as the 15th-best pending free agent league-wide, a sign that there will be no shortage of interest in his services. That puts the Chiefs in a tough spot, especially with salary cap gymnastics ahead if they want to keep him.
Still, Watson made it clear: he’d love to stay.
“I love Kansas City. I love the fans,” he said.
“I love everything about it, front office down to the players. I would love to stay here.”
He’s not alone in feeling the weight of what could be the final chapter for this tight-knit group.
Linebacker Leo Chenal, a third-round pick, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram this week, pairing photos from his time in Kansas City with the song “If This Is the Last Time” by LANY. The caption?
“Trust in Him,” alongside a praying hands emoji. You don’t post something like that unless you’re feeling the moment.
Cornerback Joshua Williams, a fourth-rounder who’s shifted into more of a special teams role this year, echoed that sense of reflection. His journey in Kansas City has been about more than football.
“It’s so valuable, not just as a football player, but as a growing man turned into an adult man,” Williams said. “I did a lot of growing here in Kansas City.
The city has been great for me. It was a great place to get drafted.
They developed me well, and I’m gonna cherish so much since being here.”
For Williams, the plan is simple: finish strong, stay grounded, and let the next step come when it’s time.
“Pray, relax and just scope out all my options,” he said. “Find the best fit.”
Other members of the 2022 class are in different positions. Running back Isiah Pacheco, another seventh-round steal, is still under contract - and still running like he’s angry at the turf. Safety Bryan Cook, a second-round pick, and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson are also part of the group facing uncertain futures due to injuries or expiring deals.
Then there are the two who are locked in. First-round cornerback Trent McDuffie, already one of the league’s premier young defensive backs, had his fifth-year option picked up.
Defensive end George Karlaftis, the other first-rounder, signed a long-term extension in July. They’ll carry the 2022 banner forward - but it won’t be the same without the full crew.
Watson hopes fans and teammates remember this class for more than just what they did on the field.
“Good people, good teammates,” he said. “A bunch of good memories, highs and lows. We hated for it to end like this, but we’re gonna try to enjoy these last few games we’ve got together.”
It’s a bittersweet moment in Kansas City. The 2022 class came in together, helped build a dynasty, and now faces the hard truth that the NFL rarely lets groups like this stay together for long. But no matter where they go next, they’ve already left their mark - not just as winners, but as a brotherhood that helped define an era.