The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason appears to be near complete, with any final moves unlikely to drastically shift current expectations. It has been an incredibly solid offseason that has pushed KC back into the conversation as an expected Super Bowl contender. One off year wasn't enough to kill the dynasty with the season ending in at least the AFC Championship every year that Mahomes has been healthy.
With this in mind, the expectations are incredibly high for this roster as we near OTAs and go into the summer towards training camp. This gives fans a chance to consider a number of upcoming position battles that are likely to emerge and provide entertainment as fans continue to wait for the start of the 2026 season.
Chiefs OTA battles begin with finding a quality third-string backup behind Patrick Mahomes
Garrett Nussmeier vs. Chris Oladokun
The moment the Chiefs spent a draft pick on Nussmeier, it was clearly going to be an uphill battle for Oladokun to make the roster. However, the current third-stringer does have the advantage of spending years in the system and getting starting reps a season ago. The first two roster spots at the position are already blocked with Mahomes and Justin Fields clearly untouchable as long as the duo remains healthy.
Nussmeier and Oladokun will be battling for the final roster spot at the position as the emergency option. This is a battle that should start early and go into the preseason with the Chiefs needing to fill snaps and having no reason to risk the health of two proven options. No question, this should be incredibly entertaining with Nussmeier having the obvious edge going in as an unknown development project.
Brashard Smith vs. Emmett Johnson vs. Emari Demercado
What's so interesting about this battle is the fact that one of this trio is going to be the primary option behind star running back Kenneth Walker. Johnson has to be the early favorite as the rookie has garnered constant praise from the coaching staff and fanbase as the draft fallout has continued. This has to put Smith on notice, who is coming off an incredibly underwhelming rookie season and has a chance to be bumped from the roster completely.
It will be entertaining to watch in OTAs and heading into camp and the preseason, how this battle is managed. With Eric Bieniemy back and just having overseen the impressive rushing attack in Chicago, expectations are mounting, with it being clear the position is going to be held to a new standard.
Jadon Canady vs. Kader Kohou
If the season started today, it would be free agent signing Kohou or rookie Canady expected to be the slot corner. The outside positions are clearly filled, with it seeming one of these two is best suited to playing on the inside. While Kohou has the advantage of experience, there is something to love about Canady's style of play, having a clear aggression that is demanded for a defensive back with an undersized frame.
This battle has a chance to be the most heated, with the duo both having a lot to prove, fighting for a role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. It should be among the more interesting decisions the Chiefs are faced with making heading into the 2026 season.
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