The Kansas City Chiefs might have a tough time retaining one of their most valuable defenders should he reach free agency.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward is expected to be a key player in the free agent cornerback market and could be one of the top-paid players at his position. Fowler named two teams that would specifically have interest in Ward and also said he could command a salary comparable to two of the top cornerbacks who are expected to hit the market.

Here’s what Fowler had to say about Ward in his recent report:

“He has emerged as a key player in the cornerback market and should be paid quite well. Expect the Chargers and San Franciso 49ers to be interested, among others. He might not be paid as much as, say, a J.C. Jackson or Carlton Davis. But don’t be surprised if he’s awfully close.”

It’s not a big surprise to hear that Ward could command top cornerback money. He made a big jump from 2020 to 2021 in terms of performance and is coming off of what is considered the best season of his career. He’s deserving of the big payday and should absolutely receive heavy interest from other teams.

During his media availability at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Brett Veach said the Chiefs had an interest in retaining Ward, but if he’s commanding top cornerback money that could complicate things. In the same breath, Veach explained that it’s tough to retain everyone when you have a good football team. As things currently stand, it looks like Ward may have played his last snap in Kansas City.