The 2025 season was a challenging one for the Kansas City Chiefs, marking a significant departure from their previous seven years of consistent playoff appearances. For the first time in over a decade, the team failed to make the postseason, which has sparked discussions about necessary changes across the roster. While this kind of season is inevitable for any team, it’s clear that the Chiefs need to evaluate several areas as they look ahead to the offseason.

Despite the struggles, there are three key departments where the Chiefs can feel confident heading into the next phase of their journey.

Offensive Line

On paper, the offensive line struggled in 2025, but much of that can be attributed to the impact of injuries. The unit faced challenges throughout the season, with only two players—Creed Humphrey and Kingsley Suamataia—playing all 17 games. This inconsistency made it difficult to maintain a cohesive offensive attack.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs are expected to make some adjustments. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is likely to be released, freeing up around $20 million in cap space. Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year, $30 million deal last year, is expected to step into that role unless there are unexpected developments.

When healthy, the offensive line remains one of the best in the league. With Josh Simmons at left tackle, Suamataia at left guard, Humphrey at center, Trey Smith at right guard, and Moore at right tackle, the unit has the potential to be dominant. As long as the players stay injury-free, there should be minimal concerns regarding this area.

Quarterback

The quarterback position is a critical factor for the Chiefs’ success, and while Patrick Mahomes is still the franchise’s cornerstone, his availability for the 2026 season is uncertain. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, and it remains unclear whether he will be ready for the start of the next season.

If Mahomes is fully recovered by Week 1, this would easily be the top strength on the list. However, the timing of the injury complicates the evaluation of his readiness. There is a possibility that he could miss several games as he works through his recovery process.

Coaching Continuity

Despite losing several position coaches and their offensive coordinator, the Chiefs have maintained key leadership positions. Head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo remain in place, providing stability to the organization.

Reid also replaced Matt Nagy with Eric Bieniemy, who brings experience within the system and is considered an upgrade. While there are questions about how the coaching staff will adapt based on the lessons learned from the 2025 season, the core foundation of the coaching team remains strong.

As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming offseason, they must balance the need for change with the value of continuity. The offensive line, quarterback situation, and coaching staff are all areas that require attention, but they also represent opportunities for growth and improvement.