The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough season in 2025 but despite several problems regarding the roster, there's no reason to panic in 2026.
Many continue to believe that the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ run of dominance has come to an end, but despite an uncharacteristic season and several problems with roster construction, that most likely isn’t the case.
Missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 years paired with the brutal loss of star quarterback and two-time Most Valuable Player Patrick Mahomes near the end of the season were certainly tough pills to swallow for the Chiefs and their fans, but as long as Head Coach Andy Reid and Mahomes are together, fans shouldn’t panic.
Although those two were together last year and the team finished 6-11 (lost Mahomes in Week 15), the roster hadn’t been built as well as it had been in previous years. Which is crazy to say, considering many believed that Kansas City’s wide receivers room was the most talented in the Mahomes era heading into the season, but a variety of troubles (injuries, off-field distractions and drops) proved otherwise.
Because of how far the team is over the salary cap (minus-$61.7 million), General Manager Brett Veach must get crafty with how he finds relief, whether it’s by cutting players like right tackle Jawaan Taylor or restructuring contracts.
The more relief the better, as “rebuilding” is going to require a nice draft and savvy free agent signings. The Chiefs are expected to lose some key defensive players to free agency, so if the defense is going to take a hit, making sure the offense is prepared better than they were last year is imperative for a quick turnaround.
“The Chiefs ran out of gas in 2025 but have most of what they need to make another run,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Thursday. “Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes enter Year 9 together. Health has been an issue for years, but the offensive line is still quality and the team's track record in the draft is better than most. R-E-L-A-X.”
If Kansas City can sign a quality running back and/or a solid receiver to join Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the offense will be a top unit once again. Whether tight end Travis Kelce returns to the team for another season will also play a huge role in how the offense will be next year.
I’d say Kelce returns for one last hoorah. He hasn’t decided if he is retiring yet but I can’t imagine he wants his final season in the National Football League to end without a playoff run.
Regardless of Kelce’s status, the Chiefs need to draft well and be smart in their navigation of free agency this offseason.