The Chiefs’ Offseason Questions: Safety Depth, Mahomes’ Rehab, and a McDuffie Dilemma
As the Kansas City Chiefs head into another pivotal offseason, the reigning AFC powerhouse has plenty to be proud of - but just as much to address. From questions in the secondary to the health of their franchise quarterback to looming financial decisions on one of their top defenders, this offseason is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing in recent memory.
Let’s break down where things stand.
1. Safety: A Position in Flux
For years, the Chiefs have managed to keep their safety unit humming. From Tyrann Mathieu’s leadership to Juan Thornhill’s athleticism to Justin Reid’s versatility, Kansas City has consistently found ways to reload without missing a beat. But this time around, the situation feels a little different.
Bryan Cook’s injury left a noticeable void in the back end of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. And while the Chiefs have often transitioned seamlessly between safeties, there’s a sense that this group isn’t quite ready to move forward without Cook anchoring things.
Spagnuolo’s scheme is notoriously complex - full of disguised looks, shifting responsibilities, and post-snap adjustments. That puts a heavy mental load on his safeties, who need to be more than just athletic. They have to be smart, instinctive, and adaptable.
Enter Chamarri Conner. The coaching staff clearly trusts him - he actually logged more defensive snaps than linebacker Nick Bolton.
That’s no small feat. Conner’s versatility is a major asset: he lines up in the box, covers the slot, and drops deep when needed.
He’s the kind of Swiss Army knife Spags loves. But is he ready to take on a full-time leadership role in the secondary?
Then there’s rookie Nic Jones and Deon Bush, who saw limited action. When Hicks was on the field, he was primarily used in the box.
There’s potential here, but not a lot of proven depth. If Cook isn’t fully healthy to start the year - or if there’s another injury - this group could be stretched thin quickly.
2. Mahomes’ Rehab: Walking the Line Between Urgency and Caution
Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to adversity - and no stranger to pushing through it. But as he recovers from his latest knee procedure, the challenge isn’t just physical. It’s psychological.
Mahomes has made it clear he wants to be on the field “with no restrictions” by the start of the season. That’s the competitor in him talking. But the Chiefs’ medical staff - led by VP of sports medicine Rick Burkholder, assistant athletic trainer Julie Frymyer, and longtime personal trainer Bobby Stroupe - has the unenviable task of keeping him in check.
Mahomes admitted that he constantly wants to push the limits: “They hold me back, because I always want to go a little further,” he said. That mindset is part of what makes him great - but it also poses a risk. The balance between urgency and long-term health is delicate, especially when your quarterback is the most valuable player in the league.
The Chiefs have been here before with Mahomes. They know how to manage his recovery. But as he works through the rehab process with surgeon Daniel Cooper’s guidance, all eyes will be on how quickly - and how safely - he ramps back up.
3. Fixing the Offense: Speeding Up and Mixing It Up
Mahomes’ 2025 season was a mixed bag. At his best, he was lightning-quick - literally.
According to Next Gen Stats, he averaged 2.79 seconds to throw, the fastest mark of his career. And when he was getting the ball out quickly, the offense hummed.
The numbers back it up. In the first four games of the season, Mahomes hit his first read on over 80% of his throws.
That quick-strike rhythm led to some of his sharpest performances. But as the season wore on, that efficiency dipped.
Over the final 11 games, he topped 71% first-read throws in only three contests.
That drop-off speaks to a larger issue: predictability. Defenses started to catch on. The Chiefs struggled to create separation against man coverage, and the offense didn’t do enough to break tendencies or keep opponents guessing.
For Kansas City to get back to its explosive, unpredictable self, it’ll need more than just a healthy Mahomes. The offensive scheme has to evolve.
That means more creativity, better spacing, and answers for sticky man coverage. And yes, some reinforcements at wide receiver wouldn’t hurt either.
4. The McDuffie Decision: Talent vs. Cap Space
Trent McDuffie has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ secondary - a smart, physical, All-Pro-caliber corner who fits Spagnuolo’s system like a glove. But as the NFL’s financial landscape shifts, even elite players can find themselves at a crossroads.
The market for top corners has exploded. Teams are now paying them like WR1s, and McDuffie’s next deal is likely to reflect that.
But here’s the rub: McDuffie isn’t a prototypical boundary corner. He doesn’t have the rare size or length that some front offices covet.
And in 2025, he gave up more touchdowns and a higher passer rating than in previous seasons.
That doesn’t mean he played poorly - far from it. His tape still showed a high-level defender who understands leverage, anticipates routes, and tackles well in space. But the slight drop in efficiency could give the Chiefs some pause, especially when weighing a massive financial commitment.
Trading McDuffie would clear $13.6 million from the 2026 cap - a significant chunk of change for a team that’s constantly looking to stretch every dollar. That money could be reinvested in the pass rush, offensive depth, or future contract extensions.
It’s not an easy call. McDuffie is a leader, a technician, and a proven performer. But the Chiefs have to think long-term - and that means making some tough decisions.
Around the League: MVP Finalists and Coaching Moves
The AP announced its NFL MVP finalists, and the list is a mix of familiar names and breakout stars. Josh Allen, the reigning MVP, is back in the mix after another strong season, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 14 scores on the ground. Trevor Lawrence helped lead Jacksonville to 13 wins and an AFC South title, while rookie sensation Drake Maye turned heads with his poise and production.
Christian McCaffrey, meanwhile, was a do-it-all force for the 49ers, racking up over 2,100 total yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s up for three different awards - a rare feat last accomplished by Joe Burrow. And Matthew Stafford rounds out the list, proving he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
In coaching news, the Ravens have hired Jesse Minter as their new head coach. Minter, who served as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh, has deep ties to Baltimore.
He was a Ravens assistant from 2017 to 2020 and brings a strong track record from both college and the NFL. His familiarity with the Harbaugh system - and his recent success at Michigan - make him a natural fit to lead the next era in Baltimore.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
Kansas City isn’t in crisis - not by a long shot. But this offseason is going to test their ability to evolve on the fly.
They need to shore up the safety position, make sure Mahomes’ rehab stays on track, get the offense back to its fast-paced roots, and make a potentially franchise-shifting decision on McDuffie.
That’s a lot to juggle. But if there’s one organization that’s earned the benefit of the doubt, it’s this one. The Chiefs have been the gold standard for nearly a decade - and they’re not going away anytime soon.