The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a season that didn’t go according to plan - and that’s putting it mildly. A 6-11 finish, missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, and losing Patrick Mahomes late in the year?
Yeah, that’s a gut punch. But let’s pump the brakes on the panic.
This isn’t the end of an era - not with Andy Reid still calling the shots and Mahomes under center.
Yes, 2025 was rough. The Chiefs looked out of sync, especially on offense, and the roster - which many thought was one of the deepest in the Mahomes era - didn’t quite live up to expectations.
The wide receiver group, hyped before the season as potentially the most talented Mahomes has had, struggled with drops, injuries, and off-field distractions. The chemistry wasn’t there, and it showed.
Then came the Week 15 injury to Mahomes. That was the tipping point.
Without their leader, the Chiefs limped to the finish line. But even with that disappointing record, the foundation is still strong.
Mahomes and Reid are heading into their ninth season together - a pairing that’s already produced two Super Bowl wins and a stretch of dominance that most franchises would dream of.
The challenge now shifts to the front office. General Manager Brett Veach has some tough decisions ahead.
The Chiefs are currently $61.7 million over the salary cap, which means moves are coming. Whether that’s cutting veterans like right tackle Jawaan Taylor or restructuring existing deals, Veach is going to have to work some financial magic to get this team back on track.
And the margin for error is slim. Kansas City is expected to lose some key defensive pieces in free agency, so they’ll need a strong draft and smart signings to stay competitive. If the defense takes a step back, the offense has to be ready to pick up the slack - something it couldn’t consistently do last season.
That’s where the offseason becomes critical. Adding a reliable running back and another solid receiver to pair with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could be the difference between another missed postseason and a return to the AFC elite.
And of course, all eyes are on Travis Kelce. The future Hall of Famer hasn’t announced whether he’ll be back for another year, but his presence - both on the field and in the locker room - would be massive for a team looking to bounce back.
The offensive line, while not perfect, remains a strength. And the Chiefs’ recent track record in the draft gives reason for optimism.
As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler put it: “R-E-L-A-X.” This isn’t a full rebuild.
It’s a retool.
The Chiefs still have the core, the culture, and the quarterback to contend. If they can stay healthy and make a few smart moves this offseason, don’t be surprised if they’re right back in the mix come January. The dynasty might’ve hit a speed bump - but it’s far from over.