Locker notes that Kansas City’s season was hampered by a lack of reliable pass-catchers, contributing to the Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. He highlights the evolving situation around Travis Kelce, whose receiving grade has dipped below 75.0 in the past two years, even as his yards-per-route run (1.48) remains solid enough to keep him as a centerpiece in the offense.
The Chiefs also must decide on several pass-catching veterans and youngsters. Tyquan Thornton, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are free agents, while Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are not yet proven bets. Locker adds that Rashee Rice and Worthy still have room to grow, and Jalen Royals is a developing option coming off a largely redshirted rookie year. All told, the unit produced a 21st-ranked receiving grade for Patrick Mahomes.
Kansas City’s salary-cap situation adds another layer of complexity. Although the team appeared to sit roughly $58 million over the cap, Locker points out that sophisticated cap maneuvers could unlock real spending power in free agency. That could mean the Chiefs shore up the group with a solid outside option and decide whether to bring back Thornton, Brown, or Smith-Schuster at reasonable prices.
Locker argues the path forward could be simpler than it seems. If Kelce returns, the Chiefs’ immediate need at WR could be mitigated, reducing the urgency to restructure the offensive roster around a new dynamic playmaker. With cap flexibility possible, Kansas City could pursue a meaningful free-agent addition while also keeping a few of its current options in play.
In sum, the Chiefs’ top offseason decision may come down to WR: whether to prioritize one impact addition, re-sign a familiar veteran, or rely on internal development from Rice, Worthy, and Royals. Regardless, the outlook hinges on how Kansas City balances cap discipline with the need to upgrade a group that remains a work in progress for a franchise aiming to reclaim its status atop the AFC.
