Standing at 6-7, the Kansas City Chiefs can technically still make the playoffs. However, they don't control their own destiny, and not making the playoffs with prime Patrick Mahomes should be a fireable offense in most cases.
Head coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach should probably get the benefit of the doubt after all they've done for the organization. Most people on the roster and the coaching staff, however, may not get the same treatment. And, judging by the long list of offseason needs for this team, the general manager will have to work some magic and do plenty of juggling.
The Kansas City Chiefs Need a Major Roster Overhaul
As things stand now, the Chiefs need to rebuild most of their defensive line, add a workhorse running back, a wide receiver who can actually beat man coverage, and at least one cornerback if they don't trust Nohl Williams. The problem with that is that they only have 36 players under contract for next season, are projected to be north of $31 million over the salary cap, and have committed nearly $60 million to Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
In hindsight, those contract extensions turned out to be a nightmare for the team. And, while they can always rework some deals and convert some of that money into a signing bonus, Veach will have to be quite creative to juggle that money around and sign the players they need to sign.
The Chiefs' rookie class was mostly a non-factor this season. Nohl Williams, Brashard Smith, and Ashton Gillotte have been rotational pieces, Jalen Royals and Jeffrey Bassa have barely played, and Josh Simmons and Omarr Norman-Lott missed plenty of time. Unfortunately, things may not be much better this time, as the Chiefs only have six draft picks in 2026, and none after the fifth round. They would've probably been better off trading that third-round pick for Breece Hall, and that decision will come back to haunt this team.
This team miscalculated the roster and how good Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice were going to be. The former is looking more like a bust by the day, and the latter has been missing in action in two of the biggest games of the season.
As for the defense, Steve Spagnuolo has failed to make in-game adjustments, and opposing teams have already caught up to his blitz-heavy schemes. And with even Trent McDuffie failing to shut down true WR1s, it looks like it might take more than one offseason to right these wrongs and give Patrick Mahomes the supporting cast he deserves.
Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy might leave to pursue head coaching opportunities, while special teams coordinator Dave Toub should be let go after all the blunders this season. So, if rebuilding a roster wasn't challenging enough, this team might also be looking at an entirely different coaching staff.
One way or another, Chiefs Kingdom can expect wholesale changes in Kansas City this offseason.