The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2026 offseason with a clear priority: protect Patrick Mahomes. After a bruising 2025 campaign that saw the star quarterback sacked 34 times in just 14 games - just three shy of his career high - it's no secret that the offensive line needs serious reinforcement. And with Mahomes missing the final stretch of the season due to injury, the urgency to shore up his protection has never been greater.
While running back is also a position of need - especially with both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt set to hit free agency - the spotlight is firmly on the trenches. Mahomes is the engine of this team, and if he’s constantly under duress, the entire offense sputters. Whether it's through free agency or the draft, Kansas City needs to find answers up front.
One potential solution? Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa.
According to a recent projection, Mauigoa could be the Chiefs’ target in the first round of the draft - and it’s easy to see why. Not only is he a physical force in the run game, but he’s also coming off a 2025 season where he led all qualified right tackles in pass-blocking grade.
That’s the kind of anchor Kansas City desperately needs on the edge.
The cap situation complicates things. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who signed a big deal just a few seasons ago, could become a cap casualty with no guaranteed money left on his contract. If the Chiefs do move on from Taylor, Mauigoa would be a logical replacement - a younger, cheaper option with serious upside.
Even if Taylor stays, though, the offensive line needs depth and competition. Mahomes can make magic happen even under pressure, but asking him to do it week in and week out is a recipe for disaster. The Chiefs have seen what happens when their protection breaks down - and it’s not pretty.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is back in the fold, a familiar face from Kansas City’s early Super Bowl runs. His return brings some much-needed continuity to an offense that looked disjointed for much of 2025.
But there are still plenty of question marks. Travis Kelce’s future remains uncertain, and with both lead running backs potentially departing, the skill positions could look very different when the 2026 season kicks off.
Still, everything starts up front. If Kansas City wants to return to contender status after missing the playoffs, it begins with keeping No. 15 on his feet. Mauigoa might not be a household name yet, but if the Chiefs call his name on draft night, it’ll be with the hope that he can help return this offense to elite form - and keep Mahomes upright while doing it.