Chiefs, Dwayne Bowe reportedly in discussions about new contract

The Chiefs and Dwayne Bowe are discussing a new, long-term contract. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs have “made it clear” that they want to keep wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, and the two sides are in discussions about a new contract, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday.

Bowe will be a free agent this offseason. The Chiefs used their franchise tag on him last offseason, under which he received $9.5 million in the one-year contract. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that if the Chiefs used the franchise tag for a second straight season — something they haven’t yet indicated they would be willing to do — Bowe would get a one-year, $11.4 million guaranteed contract.

The Chiefs’ apparent urgency in contract talks signals a shift in the new leadership of head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey. Previous general manager Scott Pioli was not sold on giving Bowe, 28, a long-term contract.

Bowe caught 59 passes last season for 801 yards, a 13.6-yard average per catch. He also had three touchdowns. He was lost for the season after breaking his ribs during a 30-7 loss to the Cleveland Browns in December.

USA Today reported on Thursday that the Chiefs are interested in potentially pairing Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles with Bowe.