The Kansas City Chiefs have consistently proven that even average talent can be elevated under Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. It is a truth that has been consistently illustrated in three straight trips to the Super Bowl. The Kansas City dynasty is alive and well, with the team continuing to extend key pieces and shuffle in and out veteran talent.
One familiar name that is included in this is Super Bowl champion running back Jerrick McKinnon. After an injury-plagued 2023 season, the veteran returns to the lineup in time to help the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in a second straight Super Bowl win.
Still, there was reason to part ways with McKinnon, who was unable to consistently stay on the field. Kansas City had the advantage of adding Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, who were both superior options to the aging veteran.
It made sense for the franchise to turn the page. However, it came as a bit of a surprise that the back was unable to find another landing spot. Spending the 2024 season out of the league, McKinnon is facing the increasing possibility of this being the end of his career.
Former Chiefs Champion Nearing the End of His Career
McKinnon sitting out an entire season and remaining a free agent deep into July is a sign retirement is near. Unless the veteran wants to attempt to breathe life into his career in another league, it seems retirement is the most likely way this plays out. Kansas City has already breathed life back into the career of Hunt and isn't looking for additional depth.
Pacheco is expected to be fully healthy, and the team signed Elijah Mitchell as well. With this in mind, McKinnon is going to need to join a truly desperate situation, play elsewhere, or opt to call it a career. It is an impressive resume highlighted by two championships the veteran won with Kansas City. McKinnon hasn't officially retired and could still find a surprise landing spot.
However, retirement wouldn't be a mistake with McKinnon's legacy cemented and landing spots remaining elusive. No matter how things play out, the Chiefs aren't in a position to consider a reunion with impressive depth at the position.