In Kansas City, the winds of change are blowing through Arrowhead. After a decade of dominance, the Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads. The 2026 offseason isn't about minor tweaks; it's a full-scale recalibration following the most challenging season of the Patrick Mahomes era.
Dynasties don't crumble overnight, but they do hit pivotal moments. The Chiefs are at one such juncture, with salary cap constraints and looming contract extensions forcing some tough decisions. Three key players may be on their way out as Kansas City reshapes its roster.
The 2025 season was a sobering experience. The Chiefs finished with a 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Hopes for a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance were dashed, especially after Mahomes suffered a devastating ACL tear in Week 15. But the cracks had started showing well before that.
Kansas City struggled in close games, going 1-9 in one-score contests. While the defense held strong as a top-10 unit, the offense lacked its usual firepower.
The season ended with the first losing record under Andy Reid and a third-place finish in the AFC West. This led to coaching changes, including Matt Nagy's exit and Eric Bieniemy's return to the offensive helm.
The Chiefs are now focused on rejuvenating the offense around a recovering Mahomes. The skill positions have become thin and somewhat predictable.
Both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are entering free agency after a season with the league's lowest yards after contact. A backfield overhaul is critical, with a need for a true "home run" threat.
The wide receiver situation is equally pressing. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is testing the market, while Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice show promise but lack depth behind them. On defense, potential departures of Bryan Cook, Jaylen Watson, and Leo Chenal could impact what has been a developmental success story.
All this is happening while the Chiefs are about $11 million over the projected cap, even after restructuring Mahomes' deal. Hard decisions aren't just looming-they're here.
When Brown was brought in, the aim was to add vertical speed to complement Travis Kelce’s dominance inside. While there were moments of brilliance, Brown, now nearing 29, is looking for a final multi-year contract, which doesn't fit the Chiefs' current strategy. With Worthy and Rice stepping up, paying top dollar for a situational deep threat isn't wise.
The Chiefs have shown they can develop receiver talent through smart drafting and system fits. Instead of investing heavily in Brown, targeting a mid-round draft pick or a cost-effective veteran could be the smarter play.
Isiah Pacheco embodies Kansas City's grit with his intense running style, a hallmark of their championship runs. Yet, sentiment can't drive roster decisions.
As Pacheco's rookie contract ends, the risk of a second deal for a running back is significant. Letting him go would be tough emotionally but makes strategic sense.
His punishing style takes a toll, and the Chiefs need to focus resources on the offensive line, where Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith are key extension priorities.
Paying $8-10 million annually for a running back goes against the Chiefs’ roster-building philosophy. Their success relies on a dominant line and interchangeable backs. Drafting a new, cost-effective runner is a wiser long-term strategy.
Bryan Cook has been a steady force in the secondary, but free agency can make depth expensive. The Chiefs' secondary pipeline is strong, with Jaden Hicks showing promise and Chamarri Conner offering versatility at a lower cost than Cook’s market value. Letting Cook secure a deal elsewhere aligns with the Chiefs’ strategy of gaining compensatory picks, focusing on efficient allocation rather than overpaying for non-elite positions.
Allowing Marquise Brown, Isiah Pacheco, and Bryan Cook to leave isn't a sign of surrender. It's about recalibrating for the future. The Chiefs’ next era will be built around a healthy Mahomes, fortified trenches, and dynamic young talent at the skill positions.
Maintaining a dynasty requires discipline. The temptation to hold onto familiar faces is strong, especially after a tough season. But enduring success in the NFL is about anticipating decline, not reacting to it.
The 2026 offseason for Kansas City won't be marked by big signings. It will be defined by restraint, foresight, and strategic departures. Sometimes, the smartest move is knowing exactly who to let go.