Without a quarterback in 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs are in a tough spot as that season continues to go off the rails. This collapse may present a unique opportunity for the organization to reassess and rebuild for the future, particularly as they look toward the latter half of Patrick Mahomes‘ career. The Chiefs know they have to be more creative with their long-term vision. Their primary goal is to maximize their impact as much as possible in the next five to ten years.
While the Chiefs are still having a down season, they have started to offer clues that they might be looking to reexamine their own organizational structure. The franchise has perhaps its greatest opportunity to reset its overall approach without the immediate pressure of having to keep a championship-caliber roster. General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid are tasked with planning for the upcoming seasons while considering the future of their star quarterback, Mahomes.
Even for a twentysomething talent like Patrick Mahomes, that is still pretty early in his career. Here’s the catch—he might not need to do a full reboot until 2027. This break can serve as an opportunity for the Chiefs to focus on making wise long-term investments in future classes. The 2025 draft class has had a difficult time making their mark this season. It’s led the franchise to reconsider how it develops and acquires talent.
In addition to draft considerations, the Chiefs can explore trading to acquire additional assets and clear salary cap space. The team now enters a short period of austerity—with its own challenges and opportunities. With expensive contracts weighing heavily on their finances—such as Jawaan Taylor’s $27 million cap hit and Chris Jones’ staggering $44.85 million cap hit next season—the Chiefs must navigate these financial hurdles carefully.
Most importantly, the organization has not felt the need to “duct-tape” the roster in the past. Yet, they don’t need to retain every pricy veteran whose play is declining. Besides, there’s nothing forcing them to fetch another title run in 2026. It is this flexibility that gives them the confidence to take a more long-term, strategic approach to roster construction.
Travis Kelce is approaching free agency and carries a cool $19.8 million cap hit this year. It’s now up to the Chiefs to decide what Reid’s future looks like with the team. Over the past decade, Kelce has been the linchpin of the franchise. As they reconsider their financial obligations, his case will be important for their long-term planning.
Brett Veach and Andy Reid understand that their primary responsibility is to maximize the team’s potential over the next decade. Though this season’s pains are acute, they might paradoxically prove to be the sharper stimulant that wakes up a slumbering giant of an organization.
“Attack every single day over and over again,” – Patrick Mahomes
That fighting spirit is never more evident than in Mahomes’ refusal to accept defeat and his continued efforts to get better. Yet he still is optimistic that he can recover from the abysmal season and turnaround the team’s current status.
“… I will be back stronger than ever.” – Patrick Mahomes
His resilience fuels optimism inside the organization that his administration can survive this challenging stretch and come out the other side better equipped to thrive.
The Chiefs’ predicament begs sad reflection, but deeper consideration of what to do next and where to go from here. They can focus on making smart selections that align with their vision for the future. Simultaneously, they need to be realistic about their roster and what it requires. Rather than making quick decisions to save a lost cause of a season, they need to figure out how best to establish a proper supporting cast around Mahomes. This investment will create the foundation for greater success to come.
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