Kansas City’s 2025 campaign unraveled in the most dramatic fashion possible.
The Chiefs‘ narrow 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers not only snapped their decade-long streak of playoff appearances but saw star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffer a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee late in the fourth quarter, a devastating injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season and potentially into the start of 2026.
Mahomes, 30, underwent successful surgery in Dallas on Monday, with the team announcing that he has already begun rehabilitation and remains committed to returning stronger.
Head coach Andy Reid emphasized the quarterback’s determination and mental resilience as he begins the long road back.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts,” Mahomes wrote on social media following the injury, “But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again… I Will be back stronger than ever…”
The injury has immense implications not only for Kansas City‘s present, officially eliminating the Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, but for how the franchise will approach its roster construction heading into the offseason.
Several draft analysts now see Kansas City‘s 2026 NFL Draft position as one of the most pivotal in franchise history.
Because the Chiefs will finish with a losing record, their pick will fall high enough to give them access to premium talent, especially in a class that features impact players on both sides of the ball.
According to updated draft projections, Kansas City could find itself in the top 10 of the draft order, a rare scenario for a club accustomed to winning deep into January.
At the heart of the Chiefs‘ offseason calculus is figuring out how to support Mahomes when he returns. The severity of an ACL tear usually requires 9-12 months of recovery, which means even an optimistic timeline could see him sidelined until training camp.
Draft makes even more sense now
Prior to the Mahomes injury, evaluations of Kansas City‘s 2026 draft needs hovered around offensive line help, added playmakers, and depth defensive talent.
But with uncertainty about how much mobility Mahomes will regain and how soon he’ll be back at full strength, the draft’s importance has only grown.
Multiple mock drafts and teamneeds breakdowns list wide receiver and offensive line among the Chiefs‘ top areas of improvement.
In a class with potential firstround receivers like Jordyn Tyson, whom some mocks project as a top10 option for teams, Kansas City could be in a position to finally add a true No.1 target if they stay in the top half of the first round.
Other projections suggest alternatives such as Carnell Tate or running back options like Jeremiyah Love, players who could either diversify the Chiefs‘ offense or give them value at positions of need.
