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Just a day into the NFL's 2025 free agency period, and the Kansas City Chiefs are already making headlines-for all the wrong reasons.
While the team managed to retain some key pieces, including right guard Trey Smith (franchise tag), linebacker Nick Bolton (extension), and wide receiver Hollywood Brown (extension), the losses might outweigh the gains. Safety Justin Reid is headed to New Orleans, leaving a gap in the secondary, but the real concern? The offensive line.
If Super Bowl LIX proved anything, it's that Patrick Mahomes needs better protection. The Chiefs' O-line was overwhelmed in their loss to the Eagles, yet instead of keeping veteran Joe Thuney, Kansas City shipped him off to Chicago. To replace him, they brought in Jaylon Moore-previously a backup for the 49ers-on a two-year, $30 million deal. That's a big bet on an unproven player, especially after last season's failed experiments with Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia.
Mid-offseason moves could define the Chiefs' future
The Chiefs did find ways to create some financial breathing room. Mahomes restructured his contract-again-freeing up cap space, and defensive lineman Chris Jones followed suit. But cap space doesn't win games; talent does.
On offense, re-g Hollywood Brown helps, but losing veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Ravens leaves Mahomes without a go-to possession receiver. Kansas City is betting on younger talent stepping up, but with their recent struggles at wideout, it's a risky assumption.
Defensively, there's still work to do. Losing Reid stings, but the potential departure of Charles Omenihu could be an even bigger problem. The rush was a major part of their success in 2023, and if Omenihu walks, they'll have to scramble to replace his production.
Is Kansas City falling behind?
While Kansas City is shuffling pieces, other teams are stacking talent. The Bears, for example, landed Thuney and Jonah Jackson to solidify their offensive line, giving second-year QB Caleb Williams a legitimate chance to succeed. The Eagles, despite losing some defensive starters, still look like a powerhouse.
The Chiefs aren't out of the contender conversation, but they've left themselves with more questions than answers. If their offseason gamble pays off, they'll look like geniuses. If not, they may have just given their rivals the upper hand.