The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2025/26 NFL season with something to prove after their humbling 40-22 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 2025. After missing the chance to secure a historic third consecutive title, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs' front office wasted no time in reshaping the roster — and interestingly, much of their draft strategy suggests a subtle but undeniable shift in how they view Patrick Mahomes' role moving forward.
While the legendary Travis Kelce confirmed he’ll be back for at least one more season, the Chiefs appear to be planning for a future beyond their iconic tight end. But perhaps more striking is how Kansas City approached the 2025 NFL Draft, emphasizing offensive line reinforcements — a move that hints at their growing concern over Mahomes’ vulnerability under pressure rather than simply trusting him to work his magic.
Chiefs Add Key Pieces in Draft and Undrafted Free Agency
With their firstround pick, the Chiefs selected offensive tackle Josh Simmons, a move immediately aimed at better protecting Mahomes in the pocket. They later added wide receivers Jalen Royals and Brashard Smith, bringing speed and versatility to an offense that struggled to find consistency beyond Kelce last season.
But Kansas City’s most aggressive moves came after the draft ended. The Chiefs signed 13 undrafted free agents, showing their determination to inject young talent into the roster. One notable signing was offensive lineman Dalton Cooper, who landed a significant $259,000 deal including a $25,000 signing bonus — a clear sign of how urgently the Chiefs want to retool their protection schemes and depth across the field.
The sheer volume of offensive reinforcements, from the draft to free agency, sends a strong message: Kansas City is not willing to rely solely on Mahomes' brilliance anymore. After posting a solid but not spectacular 26 touchdown season, Mahomes was exposed by the Eagles’ ferocious defense in the Super Bowl, revealing that even the league’s most dynamic quarterback needs a sturdier support system to thrive.
Chiefs’ Full Roster Overview After 2025 Draft
Quarterbacks:
Patrick Mahomes (Starter)
Gardner Minshew (Backup)
Bailey Zappe
Chris Oladokun
Running Backs:
Isiah Pacheco (Starter)
Kareem Hunt
Elijah Mitchell
Carson Steele
Wide Receivers:
X Receiver: Xavier Worthy (Starter), JuJu SmithSchuster, Nikko Remigio, Jason Brownlee
Z Receiver: Rashee Rice (Starter, Questionable), Jalen Royals, Justyn Ross
Slot Receiver: Hollywood Brown (Starter), Skyy Moore (Questionable), Tyquan Thornton
Tight Ends:
Travis Kelce (Starter)
Noah Gray
Jared Wiley (Questionable)
Anthony Firkser
Offensive Line:
Left Tackle: Jaylon Moore (Starter), Josh Simmons, Ethan Driskell
Left Guard: Mike Caliendo (Starter), Kingsley Suamataia, McKade Mettauer (Questionable)
Center: Creed Humphrey (Starter), Hunter Nourzad
Right Guard: Trey Smith (Starter), C.J. Hanson
Right Tackle: Jawaan Taylor (Starter), Wanya Morris, Chukwuebuka Godrick
Defense (Base 43):
Defensive Ends: George Karlaftis, Mike Danna (Starters)
Defensive Tackles: Chris Jones, Jerry Tillery (Starters)
Linebackers: Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal (Starters)
Cornerbacks: Trent McDuffie, Kristian Fulton (Starters)
Safeties: Jaden Hicks (Strong Safety), Bryan Cook (Free Safety)
Nickelback: Chamarri Conner (Starter)
Special Teams:
Kicker: Harrison Butker
Punter/Holder: Matt Araiza
Long Snapper: James Winchester
Punt/Kick Returner: Nikko Remigio (Primary), Carson Steele, Skyy Moore (Questionable)
Chiefs Planning for Life Beyond Their Stars
The 2025 draft strategy paints a picture of a Chiefs franchise bracing for change. While Mahomes remains the face of the team, the heavy investments in offensive linemen and depth weapons reflect a desire to control games more comprehensively, rather than simply relying on Mahomes' improvisational brilliance to bail them out.
Similarly, Kelce’s impending retirement has pushed the Chiefs to start looking for his heir apparent at tight end — with Noah Gray and rookie Jared Wiley potentially leading the transition.
Kansas City’s aggressive offseason moves underline a simple but powerful message: the Chiefs aren't satisfied with being close. They want to dominate again. But doing so means acknowledging that even their biggest superstars need help — and that the future might belong as much to the team’s depth and balance as it does to Mahomes' right arm.
If these moves pay off, a fourth Super Bowl since 2019 could soon be within their grasp.