Kansas City Chiefs: Navigating a Transition After a Down Season

The Kansas City Chiefs experienced a significant downturn in the 2025 NFL season, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. This disappointing performance culminated in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which not only eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention but also resulted in a torn ACL for franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As Mahomes begins his rehabilitation, the Chiefs face a critical transition period, needing to retool their roster around him as key players age or depart.

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In the wake of their underwhelming season, the Chiefs find themselves with valuable draft capital, holding the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with the No. 29 pick acquired from the trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of these high draft selections, stating, "It's a position you don't want to be in, but we're there." The Chiefs aim to leverage these picks to find essential players who can contribute to a renewed wave of Super Bowl contention alongside Mahomes.

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Reid provided an update on Mahomes, noting that his recovery is progressing well, although he refrained from committing to a specific timeline for his return. In preparation for potential scenarios where Mahomes may not be available at the start of the season, the Chiefs acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets. Reid expressed confidence in Fields' ability to adapt quickly to the Chiefs' offensive system, which he previously experienced under former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.

The Chiefs have made strategic moves this offseason, including the signing of running back Kenneth Walker III, who is expected to bolster a struggling ground game. Reid highlighted Walker's potential impact, stating, "As long as he stays healthy and moves forward, good things can happen for you." However, the team has seen notable departures in the secondary, losing both McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, which Reid acknowledged as a challenge but expressed optimism about replenishing the roster.

As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming draft, they are actively conducting pre-draft visits with various prospects, including wide receivers Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate, offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, and defensive tackle Caleb Banks. These visits are part of the Chiefs' strategy to finalize their draft board and identify players who can fill critical roles in the team's future.

Tracking every report of Kansas City Chiefs’ pre-draft visits with 2026 NFL Draft prospects

Despite the challenges faced in the 2025 season, Reid remains optimistic about the Chiefs' ability to rebound. He noted, "We've had a lot of time to think about it... turn what in your mind is a negative... into a positive by retooling." The upcoming draft will be pivotal for the Chiefs as they seek to revitalize their roster and support Mahomes in his return to form.