Three Tough Calls the Chiefs Must Make (or Avoid) This Offseason
The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. Coming off a six-win campaign that fell short of expectations, GM Brett Veach has his work cut out for him.
The roster needs reshaping-on both sides of the ball-and that means a flurry of moves in free agency and the draft. But just as important as the players Veach adds are the ones he chooses not to bring back.
Sometimes the best move is the one you don’t make. Whether it's resisting the urge to re-sign a familiar face or moving on from a contract that no longer fits, the Chiefs need to be clear-eyed about their future. Here are three players Kansas City should think twice about bringing back in 2026.
Jawaan Taylor (Unless He Restructures)
Let’s start here: Jawaan Taylor has taken more heat than he deserves. Since arriving in Kansas City in 2023, he’s been a steady presence at right tackle.
His pass protection has been solid-above average, even-and he’s been available, which matters. But if you only know Taylor from the penalty flags or the Sunday night commentary, you might miss the full picture.
Still, the reality is this: Taylor is set to count more than $27 million against the cap in 2026. That’s a massive number for a player who, while dependable, hasn’t exactly been dominant. And with the emergence of Jaylon Moore and the drafting of Josh Simmons, the Chiefs have already started preparing for life without him.
Could a restructure keep Taylor in town? Sure, but that’s easier said than done.
Restructures come with their own risks, and unless Taylor is willing to take a significant cut, the Chiefs may be better off moving forward with a younger, cheaper option. This feels like a natural transition point-2026 as a bridge year to a new era on the right side of the line.
Isiah Pacheco
There’s no denying it-Isiah Pacheco has been one of the most exciting stories on the Chiefs’ roster. A seventh-round pick out of Rutgers in 2022, Pacheco ran with a chip on his shoulder and gave Kansas City two hard-nosed, productive seasons. He led the team in rushing both years and brought an edge to the backfield that fans loved.
But here’s the flip side: the fact that a seventh-rounder has been the team’s top rusher says as much about the front office’s approach to the position as it does about Pacheco’s talent. Kansas City has leaned heavily on budget signings and late-round flyers at running back, and the results have been underwhelming. The ground game has lacked consistency, explosiveness, and depth.
Heading into 2026, only Brashard Smith is under contract at running back. That opens the door for a full reset.
While Pacheco’s effort and toughness aren’t in question, the Chiefs need to rethink their entire approach to the position. That likely means saying goodbye to Pacheco and starting fresh with new faces-through the draft, free agency, or both.
It’s time to build a backfield that can truly complement Patrick Mahomes and the passing game.
Derrick Nnadi
Derrick Nnadi has been part of the Chiefs’ defensive fabric for years. He’s a well-respected veteran, a locker-room leader, and a fan favorite in the community. But on the field, his production hasn’t matched his tenure.
Nnadi has consistently graded out as a below-average interior defender. He’s serviceable, sure, but the Chiefs have been rolling with the same floor at defensive tackle for too long. The coaching staff’s loyalty to Nnadi is understandable-he’s been a pro’s pro-but at some point, sentiment can’t outweigh performance.
What’s made this situation even more puzzling is the series of moves that have kept Nnadi in the fold. After signing with the Jets in free agency, Kansas City brought him back via trade.
Around the same time, they released Mike Pennel, a move that left many scratching their heads. The defensive tackle rotation has lacked impact, and sticking with Nnadi has been part of that equation.
It’s not the first time this conversation has come up. Chiefs fans have been calling for a refresh at the position for a couple of years now. If Veach is serious about upgrading the defensive front, it starts by finally moving on from Nnadi.
Bottom Line
The Chiefs are entering a defining offseason, and Brett Veach has to make more than just smart additions-he needs to make the right subtractions, too. That means tough calls on players who’ve contributed in the past but no longer fit the plan moving forward. Whether it’s a cap-heavy contract, a positional overhaul, or a long-standing loyalty, Kansas City has to be willing to turn the page.
If they get it right, 2026 could be the start of the next great Chiefs run. But it begins by knowing when to say goodbye.