Which Chiefs Player Has To Bounce Back in 2026

In 2025 through 16 games, Karlaftis put up 48 total tackles, six sacks, one fumble recovery, two passes defended, and 6.5 tackles for loss. The former first-round pick had a monster 2023 season, but hasn't been able to reach that peak in the last two seasons.

He's under contract until 2030 and still only 24 years old, but you get the feeling that it's time for him to step up in a big way. Chris Jones' decline this season goes hand in hand with why their defensive line wasn't getting home as much. However, Karlaftis should be able to make up for some of the talent lost with Jones' aging.

The Chiefs have intriguing young pass rushers who can take a leap forward this offseason and help with quarterback pressures in 2026, but it isn't as effective if they don't have a leader helping them at the line of scrimmage. Jones's extensive tenure with the team will always give him seniority and the respect he deserves, but it's unacceptable that they need him to be the player he's always been at 31 in order for their defensive line to be adequate.

That can't be a recipe for success moving forward. Admittedly, it wasn't all on the defensive line. Their secondary was banged up and underwhelming, given how much talent they have. And yet, a competent defensive line would help them play in sync and go a long way toward completing their defense.

Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs' front office will be in charge of finding a new defensive coordinator if Spagnuolo does decide to leave. A new defensive scheme could be all Karlaftis needs to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season.

The clock isn't ticking on Karlaftis's time in Kansas City, but they need him to get back into form if they want to get back into the postseason again.