Arrowhead Pride
The defense of the Kansas City Chiefs will be evaluated heavily based on how the defensive front performs this season.
The secondary will get more of a pass in getting through a learning curve after so much turnover in personnel this offseason, but the defensive line needs to turn it up a notch, and that starts with defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Chiefs position spotlight: Defensive line questions, concerns and battles | The Kansas City Star
Uncomfortable question: Is this Jones’ final season as a Chief? With a three-peat at the forefront of their mind in 2024, the Chiefs gave Jones a five-year contract that included $95 million guaranteed. As mentioned, Jones was still productive in 2025, and the structure of the deal would have made a breakup untenable, anyway.
That changes after this season, according to Spotrac. A post-June 1 release or trade next offseason would save the Chiefs $28.35 million in 2027 cap space, with the club taking on $9.75 million in dead cap.
How the “Kansas City Spirit” Landed the FIFA World Cup | The Mothership
It’s something that, for just a short while, everybody stops to watch, and Kansas City – thanks to its undeniable spirit – is a part of it.
“We’ve hosted so many events – from AFC Championships to world-class concerts – but this is a new arrow in our quiver to say we hosted a World Cup,” Kenny said. “If we can do this, we can do anything.”
Kansas City has always been a special place. Norman Rockwell knew it, and now the world knows it, too.
Predicting Every NFL Team’s Biggest Bust of the 2026 NFL Season | Bleacher Report
Kansas City Chiefs: S Alohi Gilman
In four out of six seasons, Gilman has allowed a passer rating of 104 or higher. In all but one campaign, he’s missed 11 percent of his tackle attempts. If the coaching staff can’t rely on him in coverage or run support, expect a quick hook for a backup.
Gilman will receive $7.5 million of his $14.5 million in guaranteed money next year. So, Kansas City may carry him on the roster for at least two years regardless of his performance in 2026.
One area of potential improvement for Mahomes could come in the deep passing game. While his arm strength has never been in doubt, Mahomes’ deep balls have struggled a bit since the Chiefs traded away wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was a uniquely talented deep-ball catcher.
At times, Mahomes has missed a few deep shots. Other times, his receivers have let him down. In 2026, with an offense that appears to have high expectations for wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton, a rejuvenated deep passing game would benefit the Chiefs’ offense after struggling to...
