Eighty percent of the cap is tied up in just eight players on the Chiefs’ roster. The biggest hit is Patrick Mahomes, who will be sidelined for most—if not all—of next season. Chris Jones, who carries the second-largest cap hit, will likely need to restructure or be traded to relieve some of the pressure. A few other pieces, like Jawaan Taylor, may also be gone.
Because of that, the Chiefs’ offense will have no choice but to look different next season. Mahomes’ injury was devastating to watch as a fan, but it also put into perspective just how much he means to this offense. It wasn’t only his ability to play quarterback—it was his ability to save plays when things broke down. With rumors swirling that this could be Travis Kelce’s final year, new faces are going to have to step up. The draft will be a major part of the offseason plan, but here are a few players to watch in Chiefs 2026 free agency who could help keep the team afloat until Mahomes returns.
Kenny Pickett, QB-Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback depth can no longer be treated as optional in Kansas City. With Mahomes injured, some investment at the position is unavoidable. Having someone who can help keep the team afloat until he returns could set the Chiefs up for a run the following year.
Who that guy is may depend on who’s playing right now. If Gardner Minshew plays well down the stretch, Pickett makes sense as a steady backup. If he doesn’t, Pickett becomes a legitimate competitor for the role.
Pickett fits the window. He’s young, has experience, and is still motivated to earn meaningful snaps. He wouldn’t be brought in to replace Patrick Mahomes, but to provide stability and insurance at the most important position on the roster. As the saying goes, you’re only as good as your backup quarterback.
Key Stats & Traits
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2025: 64.1% completion rate
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169 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
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NFL starting experience
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Comfortable operating from the pocket
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Affordable, age-aligned backup option
Kenneth Walker III, RB — Seattle Seahawks
The Chiefs are going to need to lean on the running game next season. Walker is already used to being in a system where running the football is a priority. The Seahawks ranked third in rushing attempts.
With Hunt, Pacheco, and Smith already on the roster, the backfield is crowded—and one of those players is likely gone. Walker still fits cleanly into that role. He’s comfortable sharing carries and thriving in a committee backfield.
Key Stats & Traits
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2025: 179 carries, 779 rushing yards
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4.4 yards per carry
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22 receptions, 176 receiving yards
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Strong contact balance
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Proven early-down workload
Kyle Pitts, TE — Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts remains one of the most intriguing upside bets in the league, and his 2025 production shows why. His big-play ability and athleticism are going to earn him a big contract wherever he lands. If that team ends up being Kansas City, it would be massive.
At just 25 years old, Pitts’ size, speed, and route-running ability make him a matchup nightmare. In Kansas City, he wouldn’t need to be the offense—just a dangerous part of it.
Key Stats & Traits
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2025: 73 receptions, 797 yards, 4 TDs
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97 targets
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Wide receiver–style route tree
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Mismatch vs. linebackers and safeties
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Age: 25
Isaiah Likely, TE — Baltimore Ravens
Kyle Pitts’ name has been floating around as a possible replacement for Kelce. That may still happen, but given the cap situation, Likely feels far more… Likely.
For the Chiefs, his modern style of play fits well in Kansas City. He’s been waiting for a real chance to be “the guy,” and this would give him that opportunity. Taking on that challenge is something he’s clearly willing to do.
Key Stats & Traits
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2025: 22 receptions, 248 yards, 1 TD
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11.3 yards per reception
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Alignment versatility (in-line, slot, wide)
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Proven red-zone production (6 TDs in 2024)
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Age 26
Braden Smith, OT — Indianapolis Colts
If reports are true and Jawaan Taylor is gone next season, Smith would be a strong replacement at tackle. Rookie Josh Simmons, playing well when healthy, has given Kansas City some peace of mind on Mahomes’ blind side. On the strong side, adding a veteran presence—similar to what Mitchell Schwartz once provided—would be huge.
Jaylon Moore would be the main obstacle here, but if Taylor’s contract comes off the books, this move makes a lot of sense for Kansas City.
Key Stats & Traits
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2025: 766 offensive snaps
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1 sack allowed, 26 total pressures
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Pass-block win rate above 90%
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Strong anchor vs. power rushers
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Full-time right tackle (765 snaps at RT)
Joel Bitonio, G — Cleveland Browns
Interior offensive line play has been an issue for the Chiefs ever since Joe Thuney left for Chicago. Second-year player Kingsley Suamataia has been playing, but he hasn’t stood out at the position. Bitonio isn’t a flashy name, but he would be a great addition to shore up the interior.
Because of his age and position, his cap hit should fall right where Kansas City needs it. At 35, he’s clearly a short-term option, but he would either push Suamataia to improve or turn him into a strong backup behind Trey Smith or Bitonio himself.
In 2025, Bitonio played 910 offensive snaps, allowed just one sack, and committed zero penalties. That level of consistency is hard to ignore. He rounds out the list of Chiefs 2026 free agency players who could transform the offense.
Key Stats & Traits
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2025: 910 offensive snaps
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0 penalties, 1 sack allowed
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Elite pass-protection consistency
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Veteran leadership and communication
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Immediate stabilizer at left guard
Final Thoughts
This offseason, the Chiefs have a lot to figure out, and it all starts with the cap. They can’t bring anyone into the building until they find real relief. That means big moves are coming—trades, and some tough cuts that won’t be easy.
If the Chiefs can fix the foundational issues with their weapons, the offensive line, and the running game, this offense can stay afloat and even find some success without Mahomes. Keeping an eye on Chiefs’ 2026 free agency will be key to maintaining a competitive roster. The goal is simple: keep the roster sound and competitive.
Give the city good football now, and when Superman returns, put yourself in position to take the crown back.
Main Photo: [Jay Biggerstaff] – Imagn Images
