The Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 offseason has been defined by retooling the defense and offensive coaching changes that combined are expected to put KC back among the league's elite. For this to happen, a number of unproven pieces are going to need to enjoy breakout seasons, with the most obvious being defenders who have found themselves in starting positions that a season ago weren't an option.
Kansas City has an incredible track record of developing its players and setting up breakout seasons for overlooked players. This leads us to look at four Chiefs most likely to be walking this path as we head into the summer and closer to the 2026 season.
These four Chiefs players could be in line for breakout 2026 seasons
1. Ashton Gillotte
Understandably, a lot of the offseason conversation at the edge rushing position has been around rookie R Mason Thomas and veteran George Karlaftis. What this ignores is the fact that Gillotte showed clear signs towards the end of the 2025 season of becoming a consistent presence for a defense desperate to find edge rushing options. Gillotte had 24 pressure and showed growth that made it clear that a year-two leap is incoming.
What will be incredibly interesting to watch is how the battle at the position shakes out with Gillotte competing with Thomas for the second starting role alongside Karlaftis. No question, the second-year edge rusher should have the inside track, building on last season's momentum and becoming another Steve Spagnuolo success story.
2. Jalen Royals
The distraction that Rashee Rice has become has taken away from a huge OTA performance from Royals as the receiver appears poised to become a legitimate option in his second season. Andy Reid's offense in the 2025 season didn't give the pass-catcher a viable opportunity, with only four yards on two receptions, despite having a clear level of excitement heading into his rookie season.
Royals remains an underrated talent that now has a clear path into the lineup. Tyquan Thornton, Rice, and Xavier Worthy have all missed time and are facing a unique set of questions. Royals stands to benefit from this, with the absolute worst expectation being the team's fourth receiver and having a chance to remind fans of the promise he showed heading into the 2025 season.
3. Jadon Canady
Canady wasn't as well-covered in draft fallout coverage due to Mansoor Delane being a top-ten selection at the same position. However, Canady has the ability to win a starting role in Spagnuolo's defense. The undersized corner has drawn comparisons to Trent McDuffie for his play style and the clear upside that the defensive back offers the KC defense.
The door is firmly open for the corner to win the slot corner role and become an important part of the starting lineup. Considering Kansas City's history at the position, this is a fair expectation and makes Canady a name to keep a close eye on throughout the summer.
4. Esa Pole
With the obvious concerns around Patrick Mahomes and the distraction of a failed 2025 season, not enough attention was given to the job Pole did when forced into action. The tackle now will be competing for a starting role and has a floor as the team's sixth offensive lineman. Pole went from a practice-squad final roster piece to a clear contributor and will continue to build on this, as the quick jump has gone underrated.
What will be entertaining to watch throughout the preseason and in camp is how much of an opportunity that Pole is handed to fight for a starting role. No question, Pole deserves immense credit for what he accomplished a season ago and will continue to build on this.
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