What's next for Chiefs after playoff elimination?

For the first time in eight years as a starter, Patrick Mahomes won't take the field for the playoffs.

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to 6-8 with their 16-13 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and the former MVP suffered a potentially serious injury on the final drive of the game. Between injuries, bad beats and subpar performances, it was a tough campaign for Andy Reid's team. Now, with the dynasty on life support, GM Brett Veach and the front office will have to make some tough decisions.

Chiefs have plenty of work to do

As currently constructed, the Chiefs only have 36 players under contract. That wouldn't necessarily be a problem for a team looking for an overhaul, but they're also projected to be $44 million over the salary cap.

They're also in a tough spot in terms of draft capital. They only have six draft picks, and they don't have a pick after the fifth round. Perhaps they could look to trade Trent McDuffie for more draft capital, but they're already short-handed at cornerback as things stand now, and rookie Nohl Williams was a non-factor in his first season.

The Chiefs also need to fix their pass rush, with George Karlaftis logging just 6.0 sacks in 14 games after getting a four-year contract extension worth $93 million. Chris Jones, who's making an average of $31.75M a year, had the worst season of his career.

The Chiefs face losing Travis Kelce (retirement) and still need to determine whether they're going to extend Rashee Rice. When it comes to the running back position, Isiah Pacheco will be a free agent, and he didn't do much to justify keeping him around. 

If that wasn't bad enough, the Chiefs also face losing both OC Matt Nagy and DC Steve Spagnuolo, both of whom have been tangled up in rumors for head-coaching positions. Perhaps this team will benefit from a shakeup in the coaching staff, but finding the right guys for the job will be way easier said than done. 

The AFC isn't going to get much worse, with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow also looking to bounce back after a tough season, Josh Allen looking like the best quarterback in the game and Drake Maye also on the rise. And given the Chiefs' lack of salary-cap flexibility and draft capital, plus the many needs they have on the roster, it's hard to think this team will go back to its usual dominance in 2026.