Key additions: RT Jawaan Taylor, LT Donovan Smith, DE Charles Omenihu, S Mike Edwards, LB Drue Tranquill, DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, WR Rashee Rice
Key subtractions: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, DE Frank Clark, DE Carlos Dunlap, S Juan Thornhill, LT Orlando Brown Jr., RT Andrew Wylie
Where they stand: Coming off their second title in four years, the Chiefs didn’t have to do much this offseason to remain among the NFL’s elite. Yet they ended up making ample moves, including shuffling both tackle spots on the offensive line. Out are Brown and Wylie, replaced by veterans Smith and Taylor.
The offense also lost receivers Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman Jr., adding rookie Rice and free-agent signing Richie James to replace them. Factor in a full year of Kadarius Toney, and Kansas City has enough firepower to win an eighth consecutive AFC West title.
Defensively, the Chiefs bolstered a strong, young unit with the signings of defensive end Omenihu and safety Edwards (replacing Clark and Thornhill). General manager Brett Veach also selected Anudike-Uzomah in the first round, an edge rusher who should rotate in alongside Omenihu and second-year man George Karlaftis.
Despite being a title-defending team, the Chiefs are one of the youngest contenders in the league. The only critical pieces of the team over the age-30 threshold are tight end Travis Kelce (33) and guard Joe Thuney (30), and both are coming off All-Pro seasons.
Final grade: B
The Chiefs are trying to become the first repeat champion since the 2003–04 Patriots, and they have a realistic chance as the favorite in most sportsbooks.
Kansas City has the league’s best quarterback-coach combination in Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. It also has a top-tier offensive line and a good group of weapons headlined by Kelce and second-year running back Isiah Pacheco. As for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group, it’s a mix of excellent veterans such as All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones and corner L’Jarius Sneed, and emerging stars like linebacker Nick Bolton, corner Trent McDuffie and Karlaftis.
Once again, the Chiefs are poised to make a deep run.
