Rashee Rice missed a crucial catch during a recent game, marking a low point for the Kansas City Chiefs. They lost 17-10 to the Houston Texans, pushing their season record to 6-7 and dimming their playoff chances. Now, big questions loom over the team’s future.
General manager Brett Veach has tough decisions ahead. The Chiefs are projected to be $42.7 million over the salary cap next season, only second worst in the league. To fix this, he could cut players like right tackle Jawaan Taylor and linebacker Drue Tranquill, saving $40 million. Restructuring Patrick Mahomes’s massive contract could further ease the cap dilemma.
While these moves could free up some funds, they won’t cover the multiple gaps on the roster. Key players in the secondary are hitting free agency soon, and the front seven is weak aside from standout Chris Jones and rising star George Karlaftis.
Defensively, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has struggled to get the most out of his players. With a slow and aging lineup, every level needs an upgrade. This challenge is compounded by recent contracts, like linebacker Nick Bolton’s hefty deal, despite his inconsistent performance.
On offense, there’s a mixture of talent and problems. Despite Mahomes’s talent, the receiving corps, which includes Rice and veterans like Travis Kelce, has struggled to make plays. The team saw a shocking six dropped passes in one game, marking the most in Mahomes’s career.
Andy Reid, the head coach, has had a storied career, but the Chiefs’ offensive scheme feels tired. They need a fresh approach. Metrics show that running plays from under center work better, but Reid often favors a different style.
Interestingly, the Chiefs’ performance has declined since losing Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Under him in 2022, Mahomes led the league in yards and points. Now the team ranks only 15th in scoring for the past two years, despite adding potential stars like Rice.
Looking ahead, Veach faces a tough road with only six draft picks in 2026 and a limited budget. Key decisions are on the table, like whether to invest in Rice or All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie, both set to hit free agency soon. Revisiting past moves, like trading Tyreek Hill, could offer essential lessons in building the team.
Every step forward seems obscured by the recent downturn. The once-dominant Chiefs now find themselves in a challenging reality, pondering how they fell from grace. Football fans are left wondering what the future holds for this legendary franchise.
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