Chiefs Facing Reckoning After Historic 2025 Collapse
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Following a 6-11 campaign and a string of catastrophic injuries, Kansas City attempts to rebuild its dynasty ahead of the 2026 season.
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 season attempting to erase the memory of a 2025 campaign that served as a shock to the football system. As CBS Sports first reported, the franchise finished last year with a 6-11 record—its worst since 2012—and missed the postseason for the first time since 2014.
While the team started the 2025 season at 6-5, a late-season collapse saw Kansas City drop six consecutive games to close the year. CBS Sports reports that a wave of catastrophic injuries in the final six weeks played a primary role in the slide. The most devastating blow occurred in Week 15 when quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL. Other critical injuries included cornerback Trent McDuffie (hyperextended knee), offensive tackle Josh Simmons, and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, who missed all games from Week 14 onward. Additionally, linebacker Leo Chenal missed the final three games with a shoulder injury, and wide receiver Rashee Rice missed the final two games due to a concussion.
Beyond the injury bug, CBS Sports notes that the 2025 roster suffered from systemic failures. The rushing attack, featuring Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Brashard Smith, ranked 25th in the NFL in yards per game. Defensively, the team lacked star power beyond defensive tackle Chris Jones, resulting in the 22nd-most sacks in the league and a seventh-worst ranking in takeaways. The reporting also highlights a loss of the "clutch element" that previously defined the Mahomes and Travis Kelce era, noting that the duo rarely delivered the timely plays necessary for comebacks in 2025.
The fallout from the losing season led to an exodus of talent. CBS Sports reports the Chiefs parted ways with several key contributors: cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams, offensive tackle Wanya Morris was traded to the Falcons, and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor was released. Free agency claims included running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Hollywood Brown, defensive end Charles Omenihu, linebacker Leo Chenal, safety Bryan Cook, and cornerback Jaylen Watson.
Off-field distractions have further complicated the rebuild. Wide receiver Rashee Rice underwent knee surgery and spent much of his rehab in a jail cell following a probation violation. Furthermore, the team remains without an offensive coordinator, as Eric Bieniemy is away caring for his wife, who is recovering from gunshot wounds involving the couple's son.
To address these gaps, Kansas City made a historic move in free agency by signing running back Kenneth Walker III to the largest deal for a free agent running back in NFL history. On defense, the team signed cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Kader Kohou, as well as safety Alohi Gilman. The Chiefs also selected cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 overall pick and added edge rusher R Mason Thomas in the second round.
Despite these additions, CBS Sports suggests that while the floor has been raised, the team may not have significantly improved at any position other than running back, leaving questions about whether the dynasty can truly return to its former heights.