The Chiefs’ Future in Kansas, Mahomes Under Siege, and Kelce’s Possible Arrowhead Farewell: What We’re Watching as Kansas City Faces the Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down a crossroads - and not just on the field. With a move across state lines looming, a battered offensive line putting their franchise QB in harm’s way, and a potential farewell tour underway for one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, the Chiefs enter Week 17 with more questions than answers.
Let’s break down the big developments surrounding this franchise as it prepares to host the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
A New Home on the Horizon - and a Shock to the System in Missouri
The Chiefs’ potential relocation from Missouri to Kansas has sent shockwaves through the region. While whispers of the move had been floating around for months, the confirmation still hit hard for Missouri lawmakers and fans who have long considered Arrowhead Stadium sacred ground.
Missouri House Speaker Jonathan Patterson summed it up bluntly: “It’s still a shock to the system.”
The writing, however, was on the wall. In April, Jackson County voters rejected a proposed extension of a sales tax that would have funded renovations to Arrowhead and a new ballpark for the Royals. That opened the door for Kansas to step in with a more aggressive offer - one that includes a domed stadium capable of hosting concerts, Final Fours, and yes, potentially a Super Bowl.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe didn’t mince words either, lamenting the loss of what he called “Lamar Hunt’s legacy” at Arrowhead. “Every game feels like a Super Bowl,” he said. “No new stadium will replicate that.”
From a football operations standpoint, the move doesn’t affect the day-to-day - yet. But emotionally?
This is a seismic shift for a fanbase that’s packed Arrowhead since 1972. The echoes of those deafening roars may soon be replaced by a new era, in a new zip code.
Chris Jones and the Defensive Mindset: Playing for Pride
Despite a rough season, Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones isn’t backing down. With Kansas City sitting at 6-9, the playoffs are out of reach, but Jones made it clear: the effort doesn’t stop just because the postseason is off the table.
“I still play the game with passion,” Jones said this week. “You can finish strong. You can worry about the things you can control: your attitude and your effort.”
That mindset matters. The Chiefs’ defense has had its share of ups and downs, but Jones remains a tone-setter. His leadership, especially in moments like this, is what keeps a locker room from unraveling when the stakes shift from playoff seeding to pride and evaluation.
Penalty Problems Persist
Kansas City’s Week 16 loss to Tennessee was another example of how self-inflicted wounds have plagued this team. The Chiefs were flagged 10 times - their fifth game this season with double-digit penalties. They’ve lost all five.
Discipline has been a recurring issue, and it’s hard to ignore how those mistakes have compounded the team’s struggles. For a squad that’s usually buttoned-up under Andy Reid, this season has been uncharacteristically sloppy.
With a short week and the Broncos coming to town, cleaning up those mental errors is priority number one.
Mahomes Has Been Under Fire - Literally
Even before his season-ending knee injury, Patrick Mahomes was under siege. He faced the second-highest pressure rate of his career (38.1%) and was hit 102 times - third-most in the league. Add in the 108 hits he took last year, and that’s 210 hits in two seasons.
That’s a lot of wear and tear on your franchise cornerstone.
The offensive line, particularly at tackle, has to be addressed. Josh Simmons showed flashes, but he needs to take a big step forward in Year 2. And the Chiefs still need help opposite him - not to mention more depth at guard.
The 2026 draft will be critical. Kansas City is projected to pick inside the top 12, a rare opportunity for a franchise that’s usually drafting in the 20s or 30s. With three picks in the top 75, they have the capital to rebuild the trenches and protect their most valuable asset.
Kelce’s Last Arrowhead Dance?
As Thursday night approaches, all eyes are on No. 87.
We don’t know if this will be Travis Kelce’s final home game, but it’s very possible. He’s not under contract for next year, and retirement has been on his mind for a while. If this is the end at Arrowhead, it would be fitting for him to go out with one last moment of greatness.
Last week, Kelce was held to just one catch for six yards - a quiet outing that doesn’t reflect his Hall of Fame legacy. Whether the Chiefs win or lose, this game is a chance for Kelce to remind everyone of who he is: a generational talent who redefined the tight end position.
Even if he doesn’t get the storybook ending - riding off into the sunset after another Super Bowl - he deserves a proper sendoff. A touchdown, a signature spike, a roar from the crowd that’s cheered him on for over a decade.
No matter what happens Thursday, Kelce’s legacy is secure. But one more Arrowhead moment? That would be something special.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs’ to-do list this offseason is long. They need help at tight end, wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and on the defensive line.
The end of the Kelce era - and perhaps others - looms large. The offensive line needs a reboot.
And the team has to navigate a stadium move that will shift the identity of the franchise.
But for now, the focus is on Thursday night. One more game at Arrowhead.
One more chance to finish strong. One more opportunity to remind the league that even in a down year, the Chiefs still have pride - and plenty to play for.