Chiefs Face Offseason of Decisions: Minshew’s Future, Cook’s Value, and a Potential Splash at RB
The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into a pivotal offseason with more questions than answers-especially at quarterback, in the secondary, and in the backfield. With Patrick Mahomes sidelined during recovery, the team’s depth and direction will be tested. Let’s break down where things stand and what could be next for the reigning AFC powerhouse.
Quarterback Depth: Could Gardner Minshew Stick Around?
When Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL and LCL, it sent shockwaves through the Chiefs’ locker room-and the league. Gardner Minshew stepped in for his first start with Kansas City against the Titans, only to suffer an injury himself. Initially feared to be a torn ACL, those concerns were quickly put to rest, and Minshew is now fully healthy.
Chris Oladokun and Shane Buechele split duties in the final games of the season, with Buechele getting reps in the second half of the finale against the Raiders. But with Mahomes out of commission for offseason workouts, the Chiefs are going to need a steady hand to guide the ship in spring and summer.
Head coach Andy Reid hasn’t ruled out bringing Minshew back. The veteran quarterback signed a one-year deal for the 2025 season and is now heading into free agency. Given his experience and familiarity with the system, there’s a real chance he could return as Mahomes’ backup-especially if the Chiefs want continuity in the quarterback room while Mahomes rehabs.
Safety Net: Bryan Cook’s Importance to the Chiefs’ Defense
On the defensive side, Kansas City has a big decision looming with safety Bryan Cook. The three-year starter was a crucial piece in Steve Spagnuolo’s intricate defensive scheme this season. Cook played 83% of the team’s defensive snaps, racked up 85 tackles, and broke up six passes-a career high.
In a system that demands versatility and football IQ from its safeties, Cook delivered. He consistently limited explosive plays and provided the kind of reliability that’s hard to replace.
If he walks in free agency, the Chiefs would be left with Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks. While both have shown flashes, Spagnuolo admitted Hicks made more mistakes in his second year than expected.
Letting Cook go would create a significant hole in the secondary-one that could ripple through the entire defense. Re-signing him might not just be smart; it could be essential.
Running Back Reinforcements: Could Breece Hall Be the Answer?
The Chiefs’ run game wasn’t exactly a strength this past season. Ranked 21st in PFF’s rushing grade, the ground attack lacked the explosiveness and consistency needed to complement Mahomes’ aerial assault. Enter Breece Hall.
The New York Jets running back is set to hit free agency and lands at No. 9 on PFF’s overall rankings. Hall is coming off a career year, with an 83.5 overall grade and 17 runs of 15-plus yards. He fits Kansas City’s zone-blocking scheme like a glove, ranking eighth in rushing grade on zone concepts since 2024 among qualified backs.
And it’s not just his rushing chops-Hall also brings value as a pass-catcher. His 1.51 yards per route run is a number that jumps off the page and could give Mahomes a much-needed safety valve.
The Chiefs reportedly tried to trade for Hall at the 2025 deadline. If they’re still interested, March could be the time to make a serious push.
Of course, there’s one big hurdle: cap space. The Chiefs are currently at the bottom of the league in available funds. But if they can get creative, Hall could be the kind of offensive weapon that gives the Chiefs another dimension.
Travis Kelce Joins Star-Studded Pro-Am as Retirement Talk Swirls
While the Chiefs navigate roster decisions, tight end Travis Kelce is keeping busy off the field. He’s set to join the celebrity lineup at the Annexus Pro-Am during the WM Phoenix Open. It’s another sign of Kelce’s growing presence beyond football-and it comes at a time when retirement rumors are swirling.
After earning his eleventh straight Pro Bowl nod, Kelce hasn’t committed to returning in 2026. Former players like Drew Pearson have weighed in, suggesting Kelce has nothing left to prove and could take his time deciding. Pearson noted that Kelce might wait until the season is underway to assess where the team stands-and how Mahomes is progressing-before making a call.
It’s a decision that could reshape the Chiefs’ offense, but for now, Kelce is enjoying the spotlight and staying close to the game in his own way.
Around the League: Belichick’s Hall of Fame Bid, Maye’s Status, and Bieniemy’s Impact
Elsewhere in the NFL, Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame candidacy drew attention after one voter publicly confirmed a “no” vote-not as a knock on Belichick, but in support of senior candidates who’ve waited longer for enshrinement.
In New England, rookie quarterback Drake Maye is nursing a sore shoulder after a physical AFC Championship win over Denver. While he’s expected to be fine, backup Joshua Dobbs could see more reps in practice leading up to the Super Bowl.
And at the college level, UCLA offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio reflected on his 2024 experience under coach Eric Bieniemy. DiGiorgio praised Bieniemy’s intense, focused approach in meetings, saying it brought a “warrior” mentality to the team.
What’s Next for Kansas City?
Between Mahomes’ recovery, Minshew’s potential return, Cook’s free agency, and the possibility of a splash move for Breece Hall, the Chiefs are entering a critical offseason. They’ve built a dynasty on smart decisions and timely moves. Now, they’ll need a few more to keep the window wide open.