Mandatory minicamp has come and gone for the Kansas City Chiefs, which means the team's staff, coaches, and players are all allowed to enjoy their last big stretch of freedom before a grueling season begins. For the last week, the Chiefs have gathered at Arrowhead for everything from media sessions to medical evaluations and, of course, three days of on-field instruction and practice.
No one should read too much into anything when tackling is not permitted and pads are not worn. Training camp is the tell every offseason for how successfully (or not) the front office has reconstructed a roster. But that doesn't mean we can't learn some important things—for better or worse—from mandatory minicamp.
We've got three winners and four losers from the last important week of the spring for the Chiefs.
Winner: Patrick Mahomes
For all of the new faces in Kansas City this offseason, the main story that should concern anyone is the progress of Patrick Mahomes knee as he recovers from a season cut short by torn ligaments. And after early reports of a successful surgery and encouraging displays at OTAs, everything remained very positiive at mandatory minicamp. From seeing Mahomes with his teammates to hearing the confidence of Andy Reid, the Chiefs quarterback remains on track for Week 1 readiness—the most important ingredient in any recipe for K.C.'s success in 2026 (and beyond).
Loser: Jaylon Moore
Jaylon Moore may end up starting 17 games at right tackle. Nothing is decided in June, since the pads don't even come on until late July's training camp arrival. But the kids are climbing the depth chart at tackle, which has already cost Wanya Morris his spot on the roster. Coming into camp, Moore is going to have to stave off competitive bids from Esa Pole, impressive UDFA Kahlil Benson, and more for the job. That's not good for a player whose cap hit (over $18 million) is exorbitant.
Loser: Rashee Rice
Andy Reid says the Chiefs are fortunate that Rice is being allowed communication with head trainer Rick Burkholder and can rehab in jail. But that's trying hard to find any silver lining in the fact that the most likely leader in targets in the Chiefs' passing attack is sitting in a cell while his teammates are doing everything they can to rebound from a six-win season. "Free 4" has taken on a whole new meaning in the last six months, but K.C. is committed to this relationship and dependency. Let's hope Rice honors that with his availability after he's released.
Winner: Kahlil Benson
We've already brought up Benson, but he's the clear winner of the rookie free agent lot so far and deserves a listing of his own. Andy Reid spoke highly of him in his closing remarks from minicamp, which is quite a feat for a tackle from Indiana who was passed over for 7 rounds in the most recent draft. After starting 12 games at right tackle for the Hoosiers' championship run, Benson "has been able to handle everything", per Reid, in minicamp. Training camp will be the proof, but turning heads this early is a major win.
Loser: Kristian Fulton
Fulton looked like he might be a late bloomer in K.C. with some impressive play (and actual playing time) down the stretch in a lost season. A healthy scratch for so much of the 2025 campaign despite signing a two-year, $20M contract, Fulton projected as an obvious starter for a depleted secondary in '26, but Nohl Williams has stepped up considerably and the Chiefs spent even more money to bring back L'Jarius Sneed on Minicamp Eve. With the arrival of Mansoor Delane and others, Fulton is once again potentially lost in the shuffle.
Loser: Mansoor Delane
Speaking of Delane, it's notable that the Chiefs' top rookie—and first top-ten draft pick in nearly a decade—was forced to sit out of minicamp's first two days while his teammates were practicing together in 7-on-7 drills and the like. Andy Reid eventually explained that they were playing it safe with a previously undisclosed shoulder injury and that Delane should be fine for camp. But every rookie needs as many reps as he can get, especially one that's going to be saddled with such a heavy workload as the Chiefs' new CB1.
Winner: Eric Bieniemy
Mandatory minicamp left little doubt that the return of Eric Bieniemy after three years away has brought an instant impact to the Chiefs' offense. His intensity and emphasis on details has been mentioned time and again by players on that side of the ball and minicamp was no different. The same can be said for Chad O'Shea as the new wide receivers coach. For those longing for some meaningful change to the coaching staff after such a disastrous season, these influential signs are heartening.
Winner: Andrew Armstrong
Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star and Jesse Newell of The Athletic both noted Andrew Armstrong's strong showing in minicamp. That's good news for the young wide receiver, who joined K.C. on a reserve/futures deal in January. It's also a positive sign that someone might be emerging among the lot of prospects (which includes UDFA Jeff Caldwell, Jacob De Jesus, and Xavier Loyd) trying to get a leg up for a fringe roster spot.
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