Rating the Chiefs’ prime 5 positions of want going into 2025 offseason

It’s time for the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs to select themselves up from the grime and heal the injuries that led to the catastrophe in Tremendous Bowl LIX. The 2024 season was not a failure, however the adversity the crew overcame till the last word sport highlighted areas for needed enchancment heading into 2025.

Listed here are the Chiefs’ prime 5 positions of want for the 2025 offseason. It begins with the plain:

1. Left deal with

Picture by David Eulitt/Getty Photos

A technique or one other, the Chiefs want a greater plan for left deal with in 2025 than the state of affairs that unfolded in 2024.

The preseason roster relied on rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year lineman Wanya Morris to seal the blindside for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. No veteran was within the combine in case the worst-case state of affairs performed out — so when that occurred, the Chiefs sacrificed the general integrity of the offensive line by sliding left guard Joe Thuney out to the sting.

The Chiefs seemed for a last-minute answer by signing left deal with D.J. Humphries midseason. Even with the hamstring harm suffered throughout his first begin, it was seemingly too little, too late.

Nonetheless, if the Chiefs need an skilled left deal with within the combine this summer time, re-signing the 31-year-old Humphries to offer him a complete offseason is an efficient place to begin. Exterior of that, the exterior choices are restricted. It will take an enormous swing by basic supervisor Brett Veach to cement the place instantly.

2. Large receiver

Denny Medley-Imagn Photos

The Chiefs have efficiently invested within the extensive receiver place over the past two drafts, forming a robust duo in Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy to guide the receiving corps into the long run.

It leaves loads of work to do to encompass them for 2025, particularly with Rice’s early-season availability in query. The ultimate components of Tremendous Bowl LIX confirmed off Worthy’s downfield velocity, and the Chiefs must discover a solution to unleash that subsequent season. Meaning surrounding him with different playmakers that garner consideration from protection.

The handful of receivers set to go away the Chiefs in free company options Hollywood Brown, a robust re-sign candidate, however the remainder are position gamers due to get replaced by youthful, higher-ceiling prospects.

3. Operating again

Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos

The in-season acquisition of working again Kareem Hunt was important for the Chiefs’ offense, nevertheless it additionally shined a light-weight on the restricted means of working again Isiah Pacheco.

Sure, Pacheco was getting back from breaking a leg bone earlier within the season, however Hunt’s mixture of elusiveness and energy via contact raised the ground of down-to-down runs. It additionally made a distinction in short-yardage conditions.

The reply for 2025 and past is probably not Hunt, however the Chiefs must discover a again with comparable qualities to enhance Pacheco’s one-cut, explosive run model. The crew additionally must proceed using a third-down again with Samaje Perine’s talent set; the 29-year-old had restricted alternatives in 2024 after being signed simply earlier than Week 1.

4. Defensive deal with

Picture by David Eulitt/Getty Photos

As of now, the Chiefs solely have one defensive deal with underneath contract for 2025: Chris Jones.

The crew did signal two unproven, however notable names to order/future offers: Fabien Lovett and Siaki Ika. Nonetheless, the Chiefs should fill out the rotation of defensive linemen; the crew wants each hole stuffers and disruptors to encompass an ageing Jones.

In recent times, the plan has been to keep up the veteran trio of Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel and Derrick Nnadi. Nonetheless, sooner or later, youthful expertise will fill every position in that trio.

5. Cornerback

Picture by Give attention to Sport/Getty Photos

The third season for Chiefs’ cornerback Trent McDuffie solely additional solidified him as one of many league’s finest protection gamers. At instances in 2024, that didn’t matter for opposing move offenses, which spotlights the depth behind him.

The harm to cornerback Jaylen Watson flipped the Chiefs’ move protection from good to dangerous, and that’s unacceptable with the best way fashionable soccer is performed. Each crew wants no less than three or 4 cornerbacks that may play. The Chiefs’ cornerbacks behind McDuffie and Watson — Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson — did not instill confidence within the teaching workers when given the possibility.

The Chiefs can negotiate an extension with McDuffie this summer time, however the remainder of the place is getting into the ultimate yr of the usual rookie time period. Subsequently, the Chiefs must be proactive about bolstering the long-term depth behind McDuffie.