The Kansas City Chiefs' frustrating 2025 season is ending, inviting serious offseason changes. Still, the year wasn't without its pleasant surprises, with several unexpected contributors emerging. This went beyond just free agent signings or first-round picks, but players who simply weren't expected to be put into the spotlight.
Still, when the opportunity was found, certain Chiefs made the most of their moment. Not only was that a pleasant surprise for some Kansas City fans, but it was also enough to put these three Chiefs in a good spot to make an unexpected return for the 2026 season.
1. Esa Pole, OT
It seemed impossible that Esa Pole was ever going to find his way onto the field as a member of the Kansas City practice squad. Not only were starters Josh Simmons and Jawaan Taylor firmly in place, but backups Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris would be called on if injuries struck. However, what K.C. didn't plan on was losing three of these options at the same time, forcing the franchise to bring Pole to the active roster and giving the tackle a surprise shot in the starting lineup.
After being an early-season write-off, Pole has now started in three of his four appearances, playing 211 snaps during that span. The former Washington State Cougar hasn't been perfect, allowing 12 pressures while taking three penalties, according to Pro Football Focus, but the positives have outweighed the negatives.
Pole has far exceeded expectations, giving up one lone sack in what has been a consistently strong performance in the starting lineup. While the 24-year-old tackle hasn't been dominant, he's been reliable enough to be a part of next year's plans. He is already under contract for the 2026 season and will only be a $1 million scheduled cap hit, per Spotrac, making him an affordable option, regardless of whether he's used as a starter or backup.
Needless to say, Pole has come a long way from where he was a few short months ago.
2. Kareem Hunt, RB
While Kareem Hunt isn't a fringe roster piece, nobody would've been surprised if he regressed this season. He's an aging running back who just turned 30 years old in August, which is usually the time when rushers' production falls off a cliff.
Not only did the aging back make the roster, but he was the most reliable of any of the Chiefs' backfield options this season. Even without the big-play ability, Hunt has still tallied 597 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries, all while adding 15 catches for 122 more yards and another score as a receiver.
Hunt is no longer a starting option, and the Chiefs need to be aggressive in finding that in the early weeks of the offseason. Still, his solid production has more than earned a new contract after a great 2025 season, especially if Kansas City is unsure about Isiah Pacheco's future.
Re-signing Hunt is about keeping an elite short-yardage weapon, as the rest of the RB depth chart needs to be rebuilt.
3. Kristian Fulton, CB
Kristian Fulton was one of Kansas City's prized offseason signings and wasted no time frustrating fans. Injuries and poor play made it seem that the fit was going to be short-term; however, Fulton has shown steady improvement since returning from injury.
In five outings since Week 11, Fulton has allowed just six catches on 10 targets for 110 yards and two pass break-ups, according to Pro Football Focus. That includes holding Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix to a 1-of-5 success rate in Week 17.
Fulton's latest effort perfectly shows an increasing value in keeping him after it appeared his signing was a colossal mistake. Questions around Trent McDuffie's contract situation make keeping Fulton all the more plausible. Sometimes, players need time to acclimate to their surroundings before playing to their full potential.
The Chiefs will be retooling their roster this season, and the secondary is no exception. Still, Fulton has more than proven that he should survive those changes, leaving time to tell if he can be an effective pass disruptor for Kansas City in 2026.