Kansas City Chiefs offseason primer: Can Brett Veach build a championship roster?

The Kansas City Chiefs fell just short of a Super Bowl appearance and are now focused on reloading the roster for the chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy next year.

As difficult as the loss to the New England Patriots was, Kansas City Chiefs fans should feel hopeful about their team. Kansas City fielded a potent offense with Patrick Mahomes shattering even the most optimistic fan’s expectations and several NFL records along the way. The Chiefs finally have their very own championship-caliber quarterback, and that alone is a reason for significant hope.

Unfortunately, the defense struggled. While there was plenty of talent on the defense, the unit never managed to come together to play complementary football for the offense. This is especially upsetting considering the money and draft capital invested last season on the defensive side of the ball.

In the wake of a disappointing season on defense, Bob Sutton was relieved of his duties, and Steve Spagnuolo has been named as his replacement. Spagnuolo has always run an aggressive 4-3 under scheme, so the Chiefs base defense is facing a substantial change. There are also questions about where current players will play in the new system.

The Chiefs have some decisions to make with their own players entering free agency. Dee Ford, Allen Bailey, Steven Nelson, Chris Conley, Harrison Butker (ERFA), Spencer Ware, Mitch Morse, and Anthony Sherman are all on expiring deals and have played contributing roles for the Chiefs during the 2018 NFL season. With an estimated $35 million in cap space, Kansas City should be able to bring back some of their own but it’s unlikely they are able to keep everyone.

We are still a long ways away from the offseason, but while Chiefs Kingdom eagerly awaits for another football season and another shot at glory, let’s take a look at some moves Brett Veach and the front office may make during the offseason.