The Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 offseason could be a minefield of potential missteps, and frankly, some scenarios are downright terrifying for dedicated fans! As the unofficial start of the NFL offseason looms, typically around the Combine, a palpable excitement fills the air. The constant flux of player movement each spring, from free agency to the draft, is a captivating spectacle that truly showcases the ever-evolving nature of the league. While optimism usually reigns supreme when considering the Chiefs' upcoming moves, it's crucial to acknowledge the lurking shadows of less-than-ideal outcomes. After much contemplation, I've pinpointed four specific actions the Chiefs could take this offseason that would send a shiver down my spine.
But here's where it gets controversial...
1. Neglecting the Running Back Position Before the Draft
If you've been glued to mock drafts since the season concluded, you've undoubtedly seen the frequent connection between the Chiefs and Notre Dame's electrifying running back, Jeremiyah Love. The fit is undeniably strong; Kansas City desperately needs a back capable of generating explosive plays. Love, with his impressive blend of speed and vision, possesses this very talent. Furthermore, he's a proven reliable receiver and an elite blocker in pass protection, making him a valuable asset in all phases of the game. He's certainly a player worthy of a top-10 selection, and the Chiefs would be acquiring a fantastic talent.
However, my concern lies in the possibility of the Chiefs not addressing the running back need before the draft. This could inadvertently force their hand, potentially pigeonholing them into selecting Love, even if other options might be more strategically sound. Ideally, teams should avoid entering the draft with a singular focus on one specific player or position. What if Love is snatched up by another team before Kansas City's turn? While the front office could certainly target a running back on Day 2 or later, that's far from an ideal scenario in my book. This year's running back class, in my opinion, appears rather thin, lacking a plethora of clear-cut starting options. By securing a running back through free agency, Kansas City would gain invaluable insurance and much-needed flexibility. Even if Love remains their ultimate target, having established depth at the position is always a positive, allowing a new player to develop at their own pace. Therefore, keep an eye out for a free agent signing in this area.
2. Pursuing Another Undersized Wide Receiver
The Chiefs are undeniably in need of reinforcements for their receiving corps, but the key is to target the right kind of players. While Head Coach Andy Reid has historically shown a preference for smaller receivers, this approach may not align with the team's current needs. Consider the case of Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown. Last season, fielding Brown, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy simultaneously proved to be a challenge. All three players excel from the slot position, and you simply cannot have three slot receivers on the field at once. This inevitably leads to one of them being underutilized on every snap, making the Chiefs' offense easier to defend.
If Rice and Worthy are slated to be central figures in the offense, Kansas City absolutely must acquire an outside receiver who can stretch the field vertically and consistently beat man coverage. This is a skill set that has been conspicuously absent since Sammy Watkins' departure. Tyquan Thornton has shown flashes of brilliance, but his route-running repertoire is too limited to project him as a starting receiver. The Chiefs require a player with this specific profile to unify the receiving room and ensure everyone is deployed in their optimal roles. The front office simply cannot afford to add another diminutive player to this group.
3. Re-signing Existing Free Agent Defensive Linemen
Kansas City's pass rush was a significant weakness last season, and the team enters the offseason with a glaring lack of depth on the defensive line. Key players like Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi, and Mike Pennel are all set to become free agents. Furthermore, Mike Danna is a likely candidate for release, as parting ways with him would free up nearly $9 million in cap space. This means that not only was the defensive line underperforming in 2025, but the majority of that unit is also on the verge of becoming unrestricted.
While the Chiefs have the option to bring back some of these pending free agents, I firmly believe that would be a regrettable decision. Every single defensive lineman mentioned above struggled to make a significant impact in 2025, and they are all nearing the twilight of their careers. The Chiefs would be far better served by injecting youth and athleticism into their defensive line.
And this is the part most people miss... For years, the Chiefs have prioritized continuity on the defensive line. However, it's becoming increasingly evident that this group is simply running on fumes. Is it time to embrace a fresh start?
4. Failing to Secure a Long-Term Solution for Trent McDuffie
The very first order of business for the Chiefs this offseason should be resolving the situation with cornerback Trent McDuffie. An extension could be negotiated, which would effectively reduce his substantial $13.6 million cap hit for 2026. Alternatively, the team could explore trading him to acquire valuable draft capital. The front office also has the option of doing nothing and waiting to utilize the franchise tag in 2027 – a path that strikes me as a significant misstep.
The Chiefs' roster is burdened by too many pressing needs to remain stagnant regarding McDuffie's future. The sensible course of action is to either create much-needed cap space by extending him or to secure draft picks that will bolster the team's long-term prospects. One could argue that tagging McDuffie and then trading him in 2027 is a viable strategy, but it would be considerably more straightforward to trade him now, given his current cap hit, rather than at the inflated franchise tag amount. If an extension isn't on the table, the focus should be on maximizing his trade value to facilitate a necessary reset in 2026.
Extending McDuffie is certainly a perfectly acceptable outcome. However, if Kansas City is leaning towards this option, they should act swiftly. The Chiefs could greatly benefit from any available cap space, and an extension for McDuffie is a clear avenue to generating a significant amount of it. Regardless of the ultimate decision, a resolution needs to be reached promptly.
What are your thoughts on these potential offseason scenarios? Do any of these possibilities genuinely concern you, or do you see a different path forward for the Chiefs? Let me know in the comments below – I'm eager to hear your perspectives!
