Five things the Chiefs must do to return to Super Bowl contenders

That’s okay when Mahomes is playing at an MVP level, but when he is inaccurate or injured, or the Chiefs need to milk the clock or seal a win, below average is not good enough. Kareem Hunt is past his prime, and injuries have robbed Isiah Pacheco of his explosiveness. So, it’s time to draft or sign a top-tier running back.

2. Create a pass rush

In nine previous seasons, Chris Jones has averaged 8.9 sacks. This season, he is on pace for 4.9 sacks. What’s worse is that he doesn’t have a sidekick to wreak havoc while he is being double-teamed. Tershawn Wharton (6.5 sacks) filled that role last season, but left for a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers. Rookie Omarr Norman-Lott showed promise early before a season-ending injury, and none of the other defensive linemen stepped up. Through the draft or free agency, the Chiefs need to shore up this unit to contend.

3. Restore the offensive line

In its current state, the offensive line is a banged-up mess. Offensive linemen Trey Smith, Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor and Wanya Morris all missed multiple games due to injuries, which resulted in inconsistencies in the running game and pass protection. Newcomer Esa Pole is coming on, which means the highly paid and highly penalized Taylor is likely a goner. Moving on from Taylor, getting healthy and adding a couple of draft picks for depth should get the O-line back to outstanding. 

4. Replace or re-sign key players

Tight end Travis Kelce, who is reportedly contemplating retirement, and cornerback Trent McDuffie are stars the Chiefs must decide whether to extend. Cornerback Jaylen Watson, safety Bryan Cook, linebacker Leo Chenal and running back Isiah Pacheco aren’t big stars, but have been key contributors. Salary cap restrictions will determine who stays or goes, but if the Chiefs are to return to championship form, they must get this right.

5. Find playmakers

In 2025, the Chiefs have not registered a single non-offensive touchdown, which helps explain their 1-6 record in one-score games. A pick-six, a strip sack, or a punt return for a touchdown by a playmaker is often the difference between a down-to-the-wire nail-biter and a double-digit win. Playmakers are hard to come by, but there's no law against putting them on a wish list and seeking them out. Adding a couple will go a long way in getting the Chiefs back to the top.

Veach and Reid should have at least ten years before Mahomes calls it quits, so they have time to rebuild. It won’t be easy, and there are no guarantees it will happen. But the time to start is now.