Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Two big contributors from the Kansas City Chiefs 2023 Super Bowl winning season have recently found new homes in free agency.

Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints worth up to $5 million on Wednesday. It’s somewhat of a “prove it” deal for Gay, who could cash in big next year if he has a productive 2024 season. He finished his Chiefs career with 233 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, four interceptions and a touchdown.

Gay took to Twitter (X) to pen a farewell to Chiefs fans, his teammates and the organization. His now former teammate quarterback Patrick Mahomes told Gay that he will miss him.

Gay brought a ton of energy to the Chiefs’ defense. His play on the field and his personality are always cranked up to 100 percent while he’s on the field. It helped him to make multiple eye-popping big plays throughout his four-year tenure with K.C. The Chiefs will need someone on their defense to step up and match that energy for the future.

Another player lost to free agency for the Chiefs is offensive lineman Nick Allegretti, who signed a three-year deal worth $16 million with the Washington Commanders earlier this week. He started at left guard in the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LVIII this past postseason.

Like Gay, Allegretti thanked the city of Kansas City for a memorable five years. Mahomes chimed in to congratulate him on his new contract and said that Allegretti was one of the best teammates he’s ever had.

The Chiefs have a nice pair of guards in Joe Thuney and Trey Smith but will miss Allegretti coming off the bench. It was comforting to know that there wouldn’t be much drop off if Allegretti had to fill in for a stretch of time. He could play both guard positions as well as center. Both Allegretti and Gay will be memorable players from the Chiefs dynasty and, who knows, maybe one or both will return to the team down the line.