The Kansas City Chiefs are at a crossroads. They slumped to 6-11 after losing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a serious knee injury, and it’s going to take a big move to reopen their Super Bowl window.
The Chiefs have been here before, but it’s going to take a lot more to get it done this time around. The last time the Chiefs faced this kind of pivot point was back in 2022, after they lost the AFC Championship game at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. That was the year the Chiefs made the landmark trade for receiver Tyreek Hill, giving up five draft picks, including a first-round pick.
That trade brought back cornerback Trent McDuffie, and according to the staff of The Athletic, dealing him could be the key to reopening Kansas City’s Super Bowl window, even though McDuffie has reached All-Pro status and is just 25-years old.
The Chiefs have already exercised McDuffie’s fifth-year option for $13 million, but he could potentially bring back a number one pick if Kansas City decides not to extend him.
That would also do a lot to help their cap situation, both shor and long term. Add in a cut candidate like tackle Jawaan Taylor, then restructure quarterback Patrick Mahomes and/or defensive tackle Chris Jones, and suddenly the door opens to sign a free agent or two.
There won’t be a massive deal for a big-name player this time around, though. This will be a draft reload for GM Brett Veach, so he’ll be looking at defensive players such as Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami and David Bailey of Texas Tech, while receivers Carnell Lake of Ohio State and Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State would fit nicely and fill needs.
The running back room needs a refresh, too, and that could happen via a trade for New York Jets running back Breece Hall or with a mid-round draft pick. The situation of tight end Travis Kelce will need to be addressed, either via a draft pick to develop behind him or a possible free agent signing if Kelce does decide to retire.
Finally, the scheme will need to change. The Chiefs have ridden Mahomes’ unique talents to an unprecedented run, but he’ll be coming off knee surgery as he moves into his 30s. It’s tough to predict any moves without knowing what the scheme formula will be going forward, but given Kansas City’s 1-9 record in one-score games, the Chiefs may not be all that far off if they get all this right.