The Kansas City Chiefs have quite a bit of work to do this offseason. Juggling some money around and freeing up more salary cap space could be extremely necessary. Meanwhile, a number of key contributors from the 2024 season are set for free agency. Deciding who stays and who goes will be a thorough process, while some spots simply need an influx of youth.
That leads us to where the Chiefs may start things this offseason. In order to improve in certain areas, Kansas City must determine which spots need to be addressed the most. What are the biggest roster needs for the Chiefs in the 2025 offseason? Here are the top five.
5 biggest roster needs for Kansas City Chiefs
1. Offensive Tackle
The offensive tackle position has been an area of weakness for years now. Kansas City has been able to mitigate it at times due to the sound play of Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith. However, Patrick Mahomes' blindside protector has been a revolving door since Eric Fisher was let go. Orlando Brown Jr. provided solid results in two seasons. Afterward, names like Donovan Smith, Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, and D.J. Humphries have started at left tackle. Even Thuney slid out to the left tackle spot late this season.
If Kansas City can find more stability at left tackle, the entire offensive infrastructure can return to a more stable place. Mahomes has been unable to trust his protection at times due to shaky results at left tackle. He has also been more panicked and less willing to create when things begin unraveling quickly, as we saw in Super Bowl LIX.
2. Wide Receiver
Xavier Worthy finished his rookie campaign strong. Rashee Rice will hopefully come back from injury with an impactful presence, whenever he is ready to return. But outside of that, not much is in place at wide receiver for 2025. And we should mention, the possibility of a Rice suspension is still worth monitoring.
DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, and Mecole Hardman are all free agents this offseason. Even if Kansas City can bring one or two of those names back, finding pieces that can put more fear into opposing defenses is crucial.
The Chiefs have operated as a more methodical offense over the last two years. If they could find a more explosive piece or even someone who can overpower opponents physically, Kansas City could evolve offensively as needed.
3. Defensive Tackle
The Chiefs have received adequate play from their defensive tackles in recent years. However, similar to wide receiver, not many of the 2024 defensive tackles are under contract for next year. Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi, and Marlon Tuipulotu are free agents this offseason. As a result, Chris Jones needs a running mate or two.
Resetting at defensive tackle and getting younger is one reason this position is a significant need. But also, Kansas City could potentially lose a linebacker and a safety in free agency. If so, the Chiefs will want the spine of the defense to remain sturdy. That becomes even more true when you consider NFL teams getting back to a ground-and-pound approach this past year.
4. Running Back
Kareem Hunt provided some memorable plays in his return to Kansas City. However, the Chiefs generally do not rely on someone around the age of 30 to lead their backfield (Hunt turns 30 in August). Samaje Perine is another veteran who could leave in free agency. That leaves Isiah Pacheco and Carson Steele as the only running backs currently set to return.
The Chiefs have not had a running back with top-end speed in a while. Adding even more explosiveness at this position could be beneficial. Kansas City has utilized fine athletes at this spot for most of Mahomes' tenure as the starter. With an opportunity to add a more dynamic running back, the Chiefs must take a shot at increasing speed in this area.
5. Defensive End
A couple of other positions could have been considered here, yet defensive end still stands out for Kansas City. George Karlaftis has been fairly consistent in his first three seasons. However, beyond him, there have been many peaks and valleys at defensive end.
Mike Danna did not have as much of an impact as a pass rusher in 2024. Charles Omenihu could be going to a new team in free agency. More growth and consistency are needed for Felix Anudike-Uzomah to see increased playing time.
Add in all of those factors, with the Chiefs' pass rush running cold at times, and more juice could be needed for 2025. Kansas City can always fool opponents with certain designed pressures. But if they can get more natural pressure while rushing four, the defense will remain in advantageous positions.
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