As the 2025 regular season winds down, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory - on the outside looking in. Yes, they’re still mathematically alive in the playoff race, but that’s about the only thing keeping postseason hopes afloat. Realistically, the window for this year is closing fast, and attention is already shifting toward what could be a pivotal offseason in Kansas City.
This isn’t just any offseason - it’s one that could mark the end of an era. The Chiefs have a long list of players set to hit free agency, many of whom were part of the highly regarded 2022 draft class.
With second contracts looming and cap space at a premium, Kansas City will face some tough decisions. Let’s break down the biggest names who may be playing their final games in a Chiefs uniform.
Isiah Pacheco, RB
Back in 2022, Isiah Pacheco arrived with a chip on his shoulder and a seventh-round draft tag. From the jump, he ran like a man possessed - and he backed up his bold rookie camp promise to “take a grown man’s job.” For two years, he was exactly what the Chiefs needed: a tough, downhill runner who brought juice to the backfield.
But the last two seasons have been less kind. Injuries, particularly to his legs, have slowed him down.
Since returning from his latest setback, Pacheco’s seen just 12 carries across two games - not exactly a ringing endorsement from the coaching staff. And with trade rumors swirling around the Chiefs’ interest in Breece Hall before the deadline, it’s clear the team is exploring other options at the position.
Could Pacheco return in 2026? Possibly - but not as the lead back.
If he doesn’t get much traction in the early waves of free agency, Kansas City might bring him back on a team-friendly deal as a rotational piece. Still, it feels like the team is preparing to move in a different direction.
Travis Kelce, TE
There’s no overstating what Travis Kelce has meant to this franchise. He’s already the most prolific postseason pass catcher in NFL history - not just among tight ends, but across all positions. He’s been the heartbeat of the Chiefs’ offense for over a decade, a security blanket for Patrick Mahomes, and a matchup nightmare for defenses.
But Father Time is undefeated, and at 36, Kelce is finally showing signs of slowing down. His contract is up this spring, and the ball is squarely in his court.
If he wants to return, the Chiefs would likely welcome him back - especially on a team-friendly deal. But with his off-field profile skyrocketing, Kelce has options.
Whether it’s media, business, or entertainment, he’s set up for life.
That said, don’t count him out just yet. Kelce is fiercely competitive, and if he feels like there’s unfinished business, don’t be surprised if he’s back in red and gold for one more run.
Jaylen Watson, CB
Sometimes, a player outplays his draft slot so well that he prices himself out of town - and Jaylen Watson may be heading down that road. A seventh-round pick who’s developed into a dependable corner, Watson is due for a payday. And with the Chiefs facing big decisions in the secondary - especially regarding standout Trent McDuffie - Watson could be the odd man out.
If McDuffie gets tagged or extended, it’s hard to see Kansas City also retaining Watson at market value. But if the team decides to move on from McDuffie via a tag-and-trade, Watson could be a fallback option.
Either way, the Chiefs won’t be the only team calling. Watson’s about to hit free agency with leverage, and that usually means a new zip code.
Jawaan Taylor, OT
When the Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million deal, the hope was that he’d lock down the right tackle spot for years to come. Instead, his tenure has been marred by inconsistency and penalties - and now, his future in Kansas City looks increasingly bleak.
The financials make the decision pretty straightforward. Taylor is set to count $27 million against the cap in 2026.
Cutting him would save the Chiefs $20 million - a number that’s hard to ignore, especially with Jaylon Moore waiting in the wings. Taylor is still just 28 and will likely land a solid deal elsewhere, but it’s hard to see Kansas City keeping him around at that price.
Charles Omenihu, DL
There was real optimism that Charles Omenihu could be a difference-maker opposite George Karlaftis this season. At 6'5", 280 pounds, he brings the kind of size and versatility that defensive coordinators love. But the production just hasn’t matched the potential.
Omenihu has played over half of the team’s defensive snaps this year, but he hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 6 - and that’s a problem. With the Chiefs’ defensive line underperforming as a whole, it wouldn’t be surprising to see GM Brett Veach overhaul the unit this offseason. Omenihu could find another opportunity elsewhere, but his time in Kansas City appears to be winding down.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
JuJu Smith-Schuster brought veteran leadership and a steady presence to the wide receiver room, but his role has all but disappeared in recent weeks. With just six targets over the last 21 quarters, it’s clear that the offense is moving in a different direction.
The emergence of Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice as the future at receiver leaves little room for a player like Smith-Schuster, who doesn’t contribute on special teams and isn’t part of the long-term plan. At 29, he still has something left in the tank, but it likely won’t be in Kansas City.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most consequential of the Patrick Mahomes era. With so many key contributors potentially walking out the door, the front office will need to retool - and fast. The Chiefs have been a model of consistency over the past half-decade, but the 2025 season has exposed some cracks in the foundation.
From reshaping the offensive line to reimagining the pass rush, Brett Veach and Andy Reid have a long to-do list ahead. And while Mahomes remains the centerpiece, the supporting cast around him is about to look very different.
Kansas City isn’t done - not by a long shot. But the dynasty’s next chapter will require some bold moves, smart cap management, and a fresh infusion of talent. The 2026 Chiefs may look different, but don’t be surprised if they come back hungrier than ever.