4 things the Chiefs need to do in the 2026 offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs’ season is over — and after finishing with a disappointing 6–11 record, they enter the offseason facing a long list of questions.

This year looks nothing like the championship standard established during the Andy Reid era, and a devastating injury to the team’s most important player only adds to the uncertainty ahead.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear means a full offseason of rehabilitation, with the hope that he will be ready when the season begins. It also raises the stakes for every decision this offseason. The strain he endured throughout the year was, in part, a reflection of the supporting cast around him. And the way the team performed in his absence served as a stark reminder of how fragile things can look in Kansas City without him.

Here are four areas the team must address this offseason.

1. Move on from expensive veteran contracts

The Chiefs need to be aggressive this offseason, and that may require difficult decisions involving veteran starters. These players have not necessarily underperformed, but the financial savings gained by moving on from their contracts could outweigh their on-field value.

The most likely cap casualties include right tackle Jawaan Taylor, linebacker Drue Tranquill and defensive end Mike Danna.

Taylor is scheduled to make $27 million in 2026, but releasing him would leave only $7 million in dead cap, creating $20 million in savings. His tenure in Kansas City has been uneven, and with Jaylon Moore returning in 2026, moving on may be the prudent choice.

Danna carries a cap hit north of $11 million in 2026, but releasing him would result in just $2 million in dead cap. While he has been a solid role player, his production no longer aligns with the cost of his contract.

Tranquill is set to earn more than $7 million in 2026, with roughly $1 million in dead cap. Given his age and the team’s broader needs, the Chiefs may be better served reallocating those resources.

2. Draft impactful playmakers with the first two picks

The Chiefs will hold their best draft position in years, owning the ninth and 40th overall picks. That level of draft capital offers a rare opportunity to add a true difference-maker.

Getting the first-round pick right is essential. The ninth pick should allow the team to select from the very top tier of prospects. Wide receivers and defensive ends remain premium positions, and rookie contracts at those spots can reopen championship windows.

The 40th pick should also produce a player capable of contributing early while developing into a long-term contributor. The second-round selection offers four years of team control, but it should still yield a player capable of playing meaningful snaps early.

There will be plenty of time for speculation, but the focus should remain on top-tier defensive linemen and wide receivers.

3. Adopt new offensive philosophies

The offense has stagnated over the past two seasons, but upcoming staff changes could open the door for new ideas.

Wide receivers coach Connor Embree is already gone, while offensive coordinator Matt Nagy appears poised for another opportunity elsewhere, potentially leaving several key roles vacant.

If Nagy does depart, Reid faces a familiar question: stick with someone he knows, or look outside his circle.

Regardless of the title structure, bringing in an outside voice could help modernize the offense. Fresh perspectives across the league may offer solutions to unlock a better version of the unit in 2026.

4. Sign a running back in free agency

Drafting a running back early should remain off the table, but this free-agent class offers intriguing options — especially if the team can open up some cap space.

The roster currently projects to include Brashard Smith and Dameon Pierce in 2026, but adding a proven veteran could elevate the offense.

The free-agent pool is deep, featuring Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, Rico Dowdle, Javonte Williams, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachaad White and JK Dobbins.

Signing a veteran comes with risk, but it also provides clarity — and insurance if Mahomes is not ready for Week 1. As he returns from injury, a more run-heavy approach may be necessary. A reliable veteran leading the backfield would help stabilize the offense.