The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves at a crucial juncture as they aim to rebound from their disappointing Super Bowl LIX defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. With an offensive line that faltered significantly, particularly at left tackle, the Chiefs’ front office must engage in strategic planning as the scouting combine approaches. The challenges of last season have illuminated glaring weaknesses, prompting an intense focus on rebuilding and reinvigorating the roster.
A significant concern looms large over the Chiefs: their inability to solidify the left tackle position—a role that has seen a revolving door of players since the departure of longtime stalwart Eric Fisher in 2020. Over the past few seasons, the team relied on Orlando Brown Jr. for two years, followed by a mix of failed experiments with Donovan Smith and younger prospects like Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris.
Mahomes endured multiple hits and six sacks during the Super Bowl, underscoring the pressing need for an efficient blindside protector. The lack of consistency at left tackle not only jeopardizes the quarterback’s safety but also impedes the overall productivity of the offensive line. As the Chiefs approach the 2025 draft—where they hold the 31st overall pick—finding a competent and reliable left tackle must be unequivocally prioritized. However, the depth and talent pool of this year’s draft class at the tackle position appear to be limited, raising concerns about the feasibility of snagging a franchise cornerstone in the immediate future.
In contrast to expectations, general manager Brett Veach has indicated that the Chiefs may take a cautious stance during free agency. Instead of seeking big-name talents to patch their holes, the team seems committed to injecting fresh talent through the draft. The classification of key players—like guard Trey Smith, wide receiver Hollywood Brown, linebacker Nick Bolton, and safety Justin Reid—into a retention strategy signifies focus on in-house stability before external signings.
The decision to withhold draft picks in previous seasons for potential trades showcases Veach’s long-term vision. With four draft picks in the first three rounds this year, Kansas City has a prime opportunity to develop young talent that may fill immediate gaps while building for sustainable success. However, the real question remains whether this approach will pay dividends on the field, particularly in addressing their glaring weaknesses.
Beyond the offensive line, Kansas City faces pressing needs in several areas, particularly the defensive line and secondary. The return of players like Chris Jones and George Karlaftis offers a silver lining, but the potential offseason departure of Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Wharton could leave the team thin. The Chiefs must also address their cornerback depth. While Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson provide a solid foundation, they struggled without a reliable nickel option last season—a problem exacerbated by Watson’s injuries.
On the offensive side, depth at wide receiver presents another challenge. The emergence of last year’s draft pick Xavier Worthy brings promise, yet uncertainty surrounds Rashee Rice’s return from knee surgery. Should Brown depart as a free agent, the reception corps could be stretched thin. Compounding the issue, securing a versatile running back to support Isiah Pacheco is crucial. This desire for added offensive depth becomes even more crucial given the uncertain future of veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who, facing personal considerations around retirement, could severely impact the team’s offensive scheme if he decides to hang up his cleats.
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the offseason with multifaceted challenges that require a nuanced approach. The return to dominance hinges upon the strategic acquisition of a left tackle who can demonstrate resilience and capability, alongside bolstering areas of vulnerability on both sides of the ball. The path forward will necessitate an astute blend of calculated draft decisions and judicious roster management, as the Chiefs attempt to convert their lessons learned from Super Bowl LIX into actionable steps that secure a more successful season ahead. Only time will tell if they can navigate these complexities effectively, but the groundwork for success begins now.