Replace Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes? A seven-step plan for 2026 Chiefs

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Replace Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes? A seven-step plan for 2026 Chiefs

Nate Davis, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Mon, Dec 15, 2025 ·

11 min read

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"Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead."

It's a jingle the fine people of Kansas (and Missouri) are quite familiar with. And maybe it's a touch apropos now that a Kansas City Chiefs season has died short of the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, though that's likely not exactly an unwelcome development for the legions of hardcore and casual NFL fans that have developed K.C. fatigue over the past decade.

But let's be clear, there's no body to bury here. Not yet.

These Chiefs remain a living, breathing dynasty, one that's won three Lombardi Trophies and appeared in five Super Bowls since the start of the 2019 campaign. This postseason will mark the first since 2017's that Kansas City is absent from the AFC championship game. An organization that has already shown the ability to reimagine itself on the fly can't and shouldn't be discounted simply based on one disappointing chapter.

"Every year is a journey. Success is rented every year. Every year you get to rent success, and sometimes it doesn't go the way you plan for it to go," All-Pro DT Chris Jones said after Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers , the defeat that officially staked the Chiefs .

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)

Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
(Bob DeChiara, Imagn Images)

Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)

Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)

"I think we learned a lot this year and we understand the fact that in order to be successful, it's an everyday thing. It's not one week you put in and next week, no. It's a consistent thing and we have a lot of guys coming back and they know that it's rented every year. Just because last year's team made the Super Bowl, that doesn't guarantee success.

"(W)e're going to keep on going. Something to build off of and looking forward to next year."

Right on.

That being said, as they would after any season – but especially so while being armed with unfamiliar (and welcome, in its own way) extra time in the coming months – the Kansas City brain trust of head coach Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach and even owner Clark Hunt will have to take a close look at the overarching operation as they assess their next moves going into 2026 .

Here are seven steps the Chiefs should take if they want to restore themselves to championship relevance a year from now:

1. Address Patrick Mahomes ' contract

The three-time Super Bowl MVP's pact – the famous 10-year, $450 million extension he signed in 2020 – runs through the 2031 season. But he's due for an adjustment. Mahomes doesn't make a stink about his paychecks but it is notable that his average annual salary ($45 million) is now tied for 14th (with Kirk Cousins ) among NFL quarterbacks.

Moving forward, a restructure is needed not only to compensate Mahomes fairly but because his deal is about to affect the team's ability to maneuver at large. His base salary balloons to more than $45 million in both 2026 and 2027 – it was $1.3 million in 2025 – and his salary cap hit will exceed $74 million in each of the next two years. In a word: untenable. That's especially true given the team is overspent by nearly $44 million next year, per Over The Cap .

History suggests the parties will find a happy medium that rewards Mahomes but also allows Veach and Reid to maintain the competitive roster he demands.

2. Find the right backup quarterback

It probably wouldn't shock anyone if Mahomes is behind center on opening day of the 2026 season. But in case you missed it, he did suffer a torn ACL at the end of Sunday's loss to the Bolts and consequently – once surgery is performed – Mahomes is going to be rehabbing the joint pretty much right up to Week 1 next year, if not beyond. And the Chiefs need to operate as if he won't be ready, to say nothing of the fact that they need someone trustworthy to take the bulk of the first-string snaps in the offseason.

The next three weeks should be a nice sample size to see if current QB2 Gardner Minshew II, something of a diet Mahomes (very low-calorie) given his ability to capture a locker room and sling it on the field, is the right fit. Barring that, Carson Wentz , who backed up Mahomes in 2024, could be an option. Blaine Gabbert , who held the job in 2023, hasn't played since. Other potential fill-in alternatives scheduled to be on the free agent market include Teddy Bridgewater , Joe Flacco , Jimmy Garoppolo , Marcus Mariota , Kenny Pickett , Tyrod Taylor and Russell Wilson .

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Denver Broncos during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

3. Target a replacement for Travis Kelce

This doesn't necessarily mean a divorce from Kelce, who's generally been more consistent and productive than he was in 2024 – and he was a Pro Bowler then despite his statistical dip. But these are the facts: He'd be 37 next season, his contract is about to expire, he's set to marry pop superstar Taylor Swift and enter into a new phase of life, and it's not clear whether or not he's ready to retire anyway – though he did reference playing next year during the Chiefs' spring workouts.

Regardless, it's time to lay the groundwork for a successor − particularly considering how reliant Mahomes has historically been on his tight end. Backup Noah Gray, 26, has made an impact in previous seasons but has been used sparingly in the pass game this year. Ohio State's Max Klare or Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq could be compelling options at draft time, but neither would come cheaply. There will likely also be free agents worthy of close consideration – Kyle Pitts , David Njoku , Cade Otton and Isaiah Likely among them – and none might cost the $17.1 million Kelce has averaged on his current deal ... though gifted Pitts' market could potentially take off after the performance he just put on display .

Kelce is close with Mahomes, and his teammates have long raved about his work ethic and personality. But even if Kelce and the team decide they want to make one more Lombardi run together in 2026, the returns from a fading star had already begun diminishing.

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Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Dec. 14, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reacts after catching a pas against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs lost the game, 16-13, and were eliminated from playoff contention, ending a 10-season postseason streak .

(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)

Nov. 23, 2025: Travis Kelce arrives before the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, Imagn Images)

Oct. 27, 2025: Travis Kelce runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)

Feb. 9, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) dejectedly walks off the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)

Jan. 26, 2025: Recording artist Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrate the Chiefs' win in the AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate on stage after the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Jan. 26, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball during the first half against Houston Texans during a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Jan. 18, 2025.
(Jay Biggerstaff, Imagn Images)

Jan. 18, 2025: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an AFC divisional playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)

Dec. 25, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce open their Netflix Christmas GameDay cake after the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)

Oct. 14, 2024: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift watch Game 1 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

Sept. 8, 2024: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce talk during the men's singles final of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
(Robert Deutsch, Imagn Images)

March 5, 2024: The Cleveland Cavaliers' Dean Wade celebrates with Travis Kelce after the Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
(Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 11, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team's win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 11, 2024: Travis Kelce celebrates with girlfriend Taylor Swift after the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl 58 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 11, 2024: Travis Kelce arrives before Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 28, 2024: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Kansas City Chiefs' win against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 31, 2023: Fans wave big heads of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift during the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Sam Greene, The Enquirer)

Nov. 5, 2023: Travis Kelce reacts to fans before an NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. The Chiefs won the game, 21-14.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY Sports)

Sept. 24, 2023: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring at touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

July 16, 2023: Travis Kelce hits an approach shot during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada.
(Tom R. Smedes, Special to RGJ)

June 15, 2023: Travis Kelce is interviewed by Taylen Biggs during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Red Carpet Ceremony at Union Station in Kansas City.
(Peter Aiken, USA TODAY Sports)

June 12, 2023: Travis Kelce throws out the first pitch prior to a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

April 27, 2023: Travis Kelce greets fans during the first round of the 2023 NFL draft at Union Station in Kansas City.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

April 7, 2023: Travis Kelce throws out the first pitch before the game between the Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field.
(Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports)

April 2, 2023: Travis Kelce arrives for the CMT Awards at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
(Briana Sanchez, American-Statesman)

Feb. 15, 2023: Travis Kelce gives a speech at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl 57 champions parade in downtown Kansas City.
(Amy Kontras, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 12, 2023: Travis Kelce holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl 57 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 12, 2023: Andy Reid and Travis Kelce celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Michael Chow, USA TODAY NETWORK)

Feb. 12, 2023: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce talks with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII over the Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 12, 2023: Travis Kelce makes a catch for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of Super Bowl LVII.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 12, 2023: Travis Kelce arrives before Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 29, 2023: Patrick Mahomes raises the Lamar Hunt Trophy while Travis Kelce celebrates after the Kansas City Chiefs' 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Sam Greene, The Enquirer)

Nov. 27, 2022: Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee swap jerseys after the game at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 20, 2022: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring on a 17-yard touchdown reception with 31 seconds left against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs won the game, 30-27.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 13, 2022: Travis Kelce celebrates after a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Oct. 10, 2022: Travis Kelce stiff arms Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) to score a touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

July 20, 2022: Travis Kelce arrives at the Red Carpet for the 2022 ESPY at Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

May 10, 2022: Patrick Mahomes, wife Britney, and Travis Kelce watch play during Sporting Kansas City's match against FC Dallas in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Children's Mercy Park. Sporting Kansas City won the game, 4-2, in extra time.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 16, 2021: Travis Kelce runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 7, 2021: Travis Kelce walks off the field after the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55 at Raymond James Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 24, 2021: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the Kansas City Chiefs' win in the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 17, 2021: Travis Kelce leaps over Cleveland Browns strong safety Karl Joseph (42) to score a touchdown in the Kansas City Chiefs' win in the AFC divisional playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 1, 2020: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Sept. 10, 2020: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce celebrate after a touchdown during the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 5, 2020: Travis Kelce speaks to the crowd during the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl 54 championship rally in Kansas City.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 2, 2020: Travis Kelce celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 19, 2020: Patrick Mahomes celebrates with Travis Kelce (87) after the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 12, 2020: Travis Kelce celebrates a touchdown catch during the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 15, 2019: Travis Kelce is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Todd Davis (51) at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Oct. 17, 2019: Travis Kelce takes a selfie with Pro Football Hall of Famer and broadcaster Michael Irvin following the "Thursday Night Football" game against the Denver Broncos.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)

June 7, 2019: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) and Travis Kelce (right) pose for a photo with ceremonial pitch kid Charlie Walsh before the Big Slick celebrity softball game at Kauffman Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 20, 2019: Travis Kelce catches a touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson (27) during the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 37-31, in overtime.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 12, 2019;: Travis Kelce runs the ball as offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) blocks Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) during the AFC divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game, 31-13.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 9, 2018: Travis Kelce spikes the ball in celebration after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 2, 2018: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Kansas City Chiefs' 40-33 win against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 19, 2018: Travis Kelce catches a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Rams won the game, 54-51, in the highest-scoring "Monday Night Football" game ever played.
(CHUCK KIRMAN, THE STAR)

July 18, 2018: Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole arrive for the 2018 ESPYS at Microsoft Theatre.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

June 8, 2018: Travis Kelce (left) shakes hands with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (right) during the first quarter of Game 4 of the 2018 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers, 108-85, to complete a four-game sweep.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

Feb. 3, 2018: Travis Kelce during red carpet arrivals for the NFL Honors show at Cyrus Northrop Memorial Auditorium at the University of Minnesota.
(Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 6, 2018: Travis Kelce is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Tye Smith (33) during the first quarter of the AFC wild-card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won the game, 22-21.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 24, 2017: Travis Kelce takes the field before the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 16, 2017: Travis Kelce leaps over Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 5, 2017: Travis Kelce celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)

Sep. 17, 2017: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce swaps jerseys with Jason Kelce after a game at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Sep. 17, 2017: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce kisses Jason Kelce after a game at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

June 23, 2017: Travis Kelce signs autographs for fans during the Big Slick charity softball game before a Major League Baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 29, 2017: D.J Alexander of the Buffalo Bills and Travis Kelce hold up the trophy after the AFC's 20-13 win over the NFC in the Pro Bowl at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 25, 2016: Travis Kelce and strong safety Eric Berry (29) talk with media after the Kansas City Chiefs' 33-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Sept. 25, 2016: Travis Kelce celebrates with Kansas City Chiefs mascot KC Wolf after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

June 17, 2016: Travis Kelce takes a swing during the Big Slick Celebrity Softball game at Kauffman Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Jan. 31, 2016: Travis Kelce catches a touchdown against free safety Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 20, 2015: Travis Kelce plays against the Baltimore Ravens during a 34-14 Kansas City Chiefs win at M&T Bank Stadium.
(Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 1, 2015: Travis Kelce (87) is defended by Detroit Lions cornerback Josh Wilson (30) during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium in London.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Sept. 17, 2015: Travis Kelce enters the field before the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Nov. 20, 2014: Travis Kelce is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive back Neiko Thorpe (31) during a 24-20 Kansas City Chiefs win at O.co Coliseum.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

June 25, 2013: Travis Kelce works with kids during a NFL Play 60 event during the AFC Rookie Symposium at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility.
(Ron Schwane, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 27, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce runs after catching a pass against Duke in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Cincinnati won the Belk Bowl, 48-34.
(Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports)

Dec. 1, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce celebrates his touchdown against Connecticut at Rentschler Field.
(David Butler II, US PRESSWIRE)

Nov. 3, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce (18) runs during the first half against Syracuse Orange at Nippert Stadium.
(Frank Victores, US PRESSWIRE)

Sept. 6, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce (18) is brought down by Pittsburgh defensive back Jason Hendricks (25) during the first half at Nippert Stadium.
(Frank Victores, US PRESSWIRE)

Oct. 21, 2011: Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Travis Kelce (18) catches a pass against South Florida at Raymond James Stadium.
(Jeff Griffith, US PRESSWIRE)

Sept. 12, 2009: Cincinnati's Travis Kelce (18) rushes with the ball against Southeast Missouri State at Nippert Stadium.
(Joseph Fuqua II, The Cincinnati Enquirer)

4. Upgrade at running back

The Chiefs have generally been middling at best on the ground during their dynastic era, and that tends to track with Reid's historic approach to running the ball. They currently rank 20th in the league with 113.9 rushing yards per game – yet Mahomes' career-high 422 in 2025 is a significant component. Unideal.

It might have been an overdue move anyway, but given Mahomes will be coming back from the knee injury, this seems like the right time to invest more in the backfield. That doesn't mean Reid has to use a first-round pick on the next Jamaal Charles . Yet his best backs with the Philadelphia Eagles , Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy , didn't require a Round 1 expenditure – but certainly proved worthy of the third- and second-rounders spent on them, respectively. Barring that, it could make sense to target a multi-purpose back like Breece Hall or Travis Etienne in free agency as either could not only reduce the load on Mahomes in the short term but could elevate this offense as a whole over a longer period. But biding time with the likes of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt , who are unsigned beyond this season anyway, doesn't seem viable.

JARRETT BELL: Chiefs' playoff era ends with insult, Mahomes injury

5. Tweak the offensive line

Mahomes has been sacked 70 times over the past two seasons – not including a career-high six in Kansas City's Super Bowl 59 loss to Philadelphia – and would likely have set a new career high for a season in 2025 if he was available for the final three weeks. And, to be sure, his propensity to extend plays contributes on that front.

Injuries have plagued Kansas City's front five this year and, by extension, Mahomes and the offense at large. C Creed Humphrey and Gs Trey Smith and Kingsley Suamataia are probably the league's premier interior trio when they're all on the field together ... but they haven't been in recent weeks due to Smith's bum ankle. Rookie LT Josh Simmons got rave reviews this year, but a wrist injury plus a family matter disrupted his season. The first-rounder should be fine moving forward.

But it's time to move on from RT Jawaan Taylor . He's too inconsistent, incurs too many penalties and isn't worth another $19.5 million next season, when he won't have any guarantees on the final year of his contract. Better to turn that job over to Jaylon Moore and find better overall depth on the market and in the draft.

6. Reassess the defense

Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's crew remains a top-10 unit and has allowed the fifth-fewest points (19.1) per game this season. But it might be time to re-examine things for the greater good. The Chiefs can't realistically replicate their 2022 trade of WR Tyreek Hill , a maneuver that reshaped the organization and widened the championship window given the draft assets he returned from the Miami Dolphins . But it could be time to consider offloading players like Jones and/or Trent McDuffie in a renewed bid at maintaining this organization at or near the top of the league's food chain.

Jones, 31, didn't play well early on this season but has reclaimed his Pro Bowl form lately. Elite interior disruptors are hard to come by, and he might be the missing piece for a team like the Detroit Lions or New England Patriots , for example. And this might be the point to offer him a fresh start with a strong squad while divesting the final three seasons of his five-year, $159 million deal.

McDuffie, 25, is set to earn $13.6 million in 2026, the final season on the rookie deal of a player drafted in the aftermath of Hill's departure. There's certainly a solid case to keep one of the league's best and most versatile defensive backs. But given his age, ability and contractual control (at present), McDuffie is the kind of chip that could elicit a valuable return – likely more than what Jones would fetch.

Spagnuolo's D already faces key offseason decisions. But every good team has to make choices, and − given his tactical abilities − it seems to make more sense to make concessions here given what the offense is facing.

7. Take a cultural checkup

This isn't to suggest that the Chiefs are going off the rails or have suddenly become complacent. Tom Brady tore his ACL in the 2008 opener – against Kansas City ironically – in the first game after the Patriots' 16-0 regular season in 2007. He returned the next year, but the team also transformed around him and didn't win another Super Bowl until the end of the 2014 season – ending a 10-year Lombardi drought while also sparking the second half of the two-decade Patriot reign.

Next season would be Reid's 14th in Kansas City, matching the number of years he coached in Philadelphia. Ten years often marks the expiration date for many coaches and their messages. But Reid, 67, is beloved by his players, loves a challenge and has shown no signs of wanting to wind his career down. And Mahomes is the rare luxury who's a coaching extension on the field, a fierce competitor who pulls his teammates up to his level, and an unselfish player committed to literally sharing the wealth in order to have a topflight roster around him.

"(Y)ou've got to stay ahead of the game as a coach. And that's every offseason. That's the challenge," Reid said Monday.

There will be turnover in Kansas City. Players like WR Hollywood Brown , S Bryan Cook , CB Jaylen Watson and maybe even Kelce – all of them pending free agents – could exit. OC Matt Nagy might get a second shot as a head coach. Change is a constant in the NFL.

But this franchise has been run as well as any in league history. Maybe the Chiefs can't simply click their ruby and gold slippers and return to the Super Bowl. But the guys behind the curtain − and in front of it − shouldn't suddenly require a sweeping overhaul to make this team great and powerful once again.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs offseason fixes: These seven moves could repair Kansas City

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1. Address Patrick Mahomes ' contract

2. Find the right backup quarterback

3. Target a replacement for Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years