The Kansas City Chiefs are entering a pivotal offseason after a rare miss of the playoffs in 2025. For more than a decade, Kansas City’s combination of elite quarterback play, strategic coaching, and roster continuity has made them perennial contenders.
But finishing 6-11 last year signaled that adjustments are needed for this franchise to reclaim its dominant status. Every decision made over the next few months could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
At the heart of the Chiefs’ prospects is Patrick Mahomes. His health and performance will once again dictate the ceiling of this team. Mahomes carried a roster weakened by injuries and underperformance through many losses in 2025.
If he enters 2026 fully healthy, surrounded by a more capable supporting cast, the Chiefs could return to playoff contention rather than facing another disappointing season. His leadership and ability to extend plays remain the cornerstone of any rebuilding effort.
However, the biggest challenge this offseason lies with Kansas City’s receiving corps. The group underperformed in 2025, finishing near the bottom of the league in passing efficiency, and it will be critical to upgrade the position to give Mahomes the weapons he needs.
Decisions at tight end and wide receiver will define the Chiefs’ offensive ceiling next season.
Chiefs must bolster their receiving corps
Travis Kelce’s future remains the headline story. While his production has slightly declined in recent years, his chemistry with Mahomes is undeniable. The uncertainty surrounding his contract and potential retirement creates a dilemma: should the Chiefs retain a proven veteran or begin transitioning toward younger options?
Kelce‘s experience and ability to make key plays in critical situations still make him a valuable asset, but balancing salary cap constraints with long-term planning will be tricky.
Beyond Kelce, several wide receivers are set to become free agents, including Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton. Thornton flashed promise as a deep threat, but salary limitations may prevent the team from bringing him back.
Even returning players like Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy face pressure to elevate their games. Rice must stay healthy and consistent, while Worthy needs to develop into a reliable playmaker. Both are expected to contribute significantly, but if they fail to establish themselves, the Chiefs may need to look externally for talent.
Financially, Kansas City enters the offseason with limited cap space, leaving little room for high-profile acquisitions. Creative solutions, such as contract restructures, targeted free-agent signings, or smart draft picks, will be necessary to improve the passing game.
Whoever fills these roles must provide Mahomes with dependable targets to elevate the offense back to its championship-level standards.
The upcoming season is crucial. With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have a chance to right the ship, but strengthening the receiving corps is non-negotiable.
How the team navigates Kelce‘s future, free agency departures, and the development of young talent will ultimately determine whether Kansas City can reclaim its spot among the NFL elite in 2026.
