{"id":259704,"date":"2025-12-19T15:30:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T20:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=259704"},"modified":"2025-12-19T12:03:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T17:03:51","slug":"chiefs-2026-offensive-free-agency-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/12\/19\/chiefs-2026-offensive-free-agency-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Offensive Targets for Kansas City’s 2026 Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eighty percent of the cap<\/strong> is tied up in just eight players on the Chiefs<\/a>\u2019 roster. The biggest hit is Patrick Mahomes<\/a>, who will be sidelined for most\u2014if not all\u2014of next season. Chris Jones<\/a>, 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<\/a>, may also be gone.<\/p>\n

Because of that, the Chiefs\u2019 offense will have no choice but to look different next season. Mahomes\u2019 injury<\/a> was devastating to watch as a fan, but it also put into perspective just how much he means to this offense. It wasn\u2019t only his ability to play quarterback\u2014it was his ability to save plays when things broke down. With rumors swirling that this could be Travis Kelce<\/a>\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) runs with the ball against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (24) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kenny Pickett<\/a>, QB-Las Vegas Raiders<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Who that guy is may depend on who\u2019s playing right now. If Gardner Minshew plays well down the stretch, Pickett makes sense as a steady backup. If he doesn\u2019t, Pickett becomes a legitimate competitor for the role.<\/p>\n

Pickett fits the window. He\u2019s young, has experience, and is still motivated to earn meaningful snaps. He wouldn\u2019t 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\u2019re only as good as your backup quarterback.<\/p>\n

Key Stats & Traits<\/strong><\/p>\n