The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off the most frustrating season in the Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes era. Not only did the 2025 campaign end short of the AFC Championship for the first time since the duo took over, but the Chiefs missed the playoffs altogether, finishing with a losing record. Then, things truly hit rock bottom after Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury that has his 2026 Week 1 status in question. All of this combines to create a sense of urgency heading into the offseason, giving fans every reason to expect cap-saving moves and a roster shake-up.
Among the most obvious of these potential decisions is parting ways with Jawaan Taylor. It is the needed first step to get the ball rolling in what would be a potentially perfect offseason. This is bigger than simply cutting an underwhelming player; it sets the table to fix the offense that Mahomes will need when he returns in the 2026 season.
With this in mind, let's look at the three steps the Chiefs must take, starting with the obvious of parting ways with Taylor, who simply isn't measuring up to Kansas City's standards and must be forced to find a new home
Step 1: Cut Jawaan Taylor
Cutting Taylor will save the Chiefs $20 million in cap space and, more importantly, part ways with a source of consistent frustration. Taylor's most consistent trait during his KC tenure has been inventing ways to commit untimely penalties and refusing to evolve. One would think that being consistently exposed as a penalty liability would be enough to get Taylor to put in the needed work to stop making the same mistake. Instead, the 2025 season not only featured the same penalty struggles but also showed a clear regression in Taylor's level of play.
This was evidenced by a 53.3 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked 80th out of 89 qualifiers. Add in the 13 penalties and 20 pressures in an injury-shortened season, and the reasons for cutting Taylor become deeper than simply saving a bit of cap space. While this is ample motivation in itself, the Chiefs actually have decent depth at the position. In his rookie season, Josh Simmons gave every reason to believe in his future, and swing tackle Jaylon Moore is not only cheaper but appears to be an upgrade from Taylor.
Looking at potential depth options, Esa Pole did an admirable job in a pinch when Kansas City was without its first four options at the position. There truly isn't a logical argument to be made that Taylor should remain, and cutting the tackle is only the first domino in what would be the perfect KC offensive retool.
Step 2: Draft a Receiver in Round 1
This might be a little bit controversial, but it is exactly what Mahomes and the Kansas City offense need this offseason. Rashee Rice is facing obvious concerns, and Xavier Worthy is predictably dealing with injuries due to his undersized frame. Add in Travis Kelce's uncertain future, and the Chiefs have every reason to bring in a potential number one option. Sitting with the No. 9 overall pick, it is easy to see the potential targets that will be available in the draft's first round.
Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate are likely out of the team's reach but should be instant selections if they were to fall Kansas City's way. Tate falling to the Chiefs would unquestionably help breathe life back into the dynasty, but it remains an unlikely scenario. A more probable target is USC's Makai Lemon, giving the Chiefs a likely chance to trade down while still getting the first-round talent the offense so badly needs at the position.
Even if Worthy and Rice are living up to expectations, there really isn't an argument against adding another viable option. Tyquan Thornton, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are all facing uncertain futures after an inconsistent season that exposed the need for an impact addition. This should be done in the draft's first round, taking away pressure in free agency and perfectly supporting Mahomes.
Step 3: Sign Breece Hall in Free Agency
The perfect final step in the plan is pushing money into the future from your building block players and utilizing the cap space you opened by cutting Taylor to sign Hall. During the 2025 season, it often seemed as if Kansas City's only chance of moving the ball on the ground was Mahomes utilizing his legs. It is this mentality that puts the quarterback in harm's way so often and contributed to a season-ending injury for the incredibly durable Mahomes.
Signing Hall changes your offense overnight, giving the Chiefs a back they can lean on against any team. No longer is your quarterback going to be forced to put his cape on every week and put the game on his shoulders against lesser opponents.
Hall represents balance that the Chiefs badly need, and this is the clearest path to getting just that. It is fun to imagine what the star back might accomplish under Andy Reid playing with the first capable quarterback of his career. No question, these three steps instantly remake the KC offense and put the team back in control of the AFC West as we move deeper into 2026.