Championship teams are built on talent, but dynasties? They thrive on tough decisions. The Kansas City Chiefs have spent the last few years assembling one of the most dominant squads in NFL history, but even the best rosters aren’t immune to change. This offseason, Andy Reid and co. had to make a call that wasn’t just about football—it was about the future. A longtime defensive staple, a key contributor to multiple Super Bowl runs, and a player who bled Chiefs red and gold? Gone. Just like that. The franchise bid farewell to a trusted player, sending shockwaves through the fanbase.

For those still guessing, we’re talking about Justin Reid. The same Justin Reid who finished the 2024 season with the highest combined tackles of his career in 2024. Furthermore, the player has 10 interceptions, 46 defended passes and 580 combined tackles in 106 games, and was also part of the squad during the 2022 Super Bowl LVII win against the Eagles, and the 2023 Super Bowl LVIII win against the 49ers. However, as all things must come to end, all it came down to was money. Notably, Reid signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal (that included $20.48 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10.5 million) with the Chiefs in 2022. However, after the player hit free agency, Sportrac predicted his market value to be around $46.5 million for the same duration—evidently more than what the Chiefs’ front office was willing to pay.

Yet, as the player departed after a memorable run, the team couldn’t help but pay homage. On March 15, the Kansas City Chiefs’ official X account wrote, “J Reid is a champ, indeed. Appreciate everything @JustinqReid!” along with a photo of the star. In a second tweet, the team shared a video with the caption, “Thanks for kickin’ it with us, @JustinqReid ❤️”. The video opened with the player sharing, “We have arrived,” followed by a “Hello. Hello. Hello. How’s it going?” and continued by showing the safety’s memorable moments in the last three years. “Hey, appreciate you guys so much, man,” the 28-year-old said into the camera before mentioning, “Feel the love,” as fans eagerly high-fived him. All in all, it was a beautiful collection of what made Reid one of the best. But aren’t you curious to know which team he joined?

Well, it’s a road back home for the young player. Reid still remembers his 12-year-old self sitting in front of the television set as the Indianapolis Colts took the stage vs the New Orleans Saints at the Super Bowl XLIV (2009). As the match came to a close, and the Saints went home with their first-ever Lombardi, the state of Louisiana changed forever—and so did the little boy’s life. Ever since then, Reid has harbored a lifelong dream to represent his state, and finally that has become a reality.

Ironically, the 2x Super Bowl champion signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the team. Well, some dreams also require sacrifices, it seems. Talking about his induction in an introductory press conference this week, Reid said, “You grew up watching the Saints. Everyone remembers (when the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV in) 2009, what that did for the entire state of Louisiana. I’ve got friends that have entire rooms enshrined to that moment. So every kid in Louisiana dreams about playing for the Saints. As you go through this journey, you don’t know if it’s going to happen or not, but I had an opportunity to make that dream come true.”

But it isn’t just a chance to play for his favorite team, but a Saints move also means an iconic reunion with Reid’s 2018 Houston teammate Tyrann Mathieu. “We already have experience with each other. Tyrann is a savvy vet; every offense needs to know where he’s at because he’ll just show up and steal a ball some type of way. I see myself as a physical tone-setter. A guy who’s going to come down the hallway with me, you’re going to pay the toll for it. And we just complement each other really well; we have a strong line of communication, both cerebral players, can organize a defense. It’s gonna be fun,” the former Chiefs guy said.

With this, the mood in the locker room has also changed. QB Patrick Mahomes is on a revenge tour. TE Travis Kelce has also come back for one last dance. The task is enormous. But the head coach is also ready and making sure the team is in shape.

Andy Reid brings back main WR

It was uncertainty that was the Chiefs’ biggest enemy last year as their players kept falling to injuries. Rashee Rice was dealing with a looming suspension. Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy hadn’t matched his speed to consistency on the gridiron. Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown was unavailable. Then came the old savior Juju Smith-Schuster. The Chiefs’ quarterback was happy.

He had run some highlight plays with the receiver in their victorious 2022 campaign. As soon as the NE Patriots released him, the Chiefs brought him back into the fold on a 1-year deal. Now Andy Reid is bringing him back to the franchise for another year, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. That’s a huge plus.

In 8 seasons so far, the 2nd round pick (62nd overall) of the 2017 draft has played 104 games (80 as a starter) and has 448 receptions for 5,279 yards and 32 touchdowns. Additionally, he also has 35 receptions for 353 receiving yards and 2 TDs in nine playoff games. So, Andy Reid knows he can trust the receiver in crucial moments.

The coming season is a tribulation for the Chiefs. Their ‘dynasty’ reputation is on line after the dramatic 22-40 loss against the Eagles in SB LIX. They need to win it all back. The respect, the trophy, the attention! In free agency, at least. They are making the right moves.