These 5 Chiefs could take the biggest leap during the 2026 season

This offseason was a big one for the Chiefs after the franchise's worst season in over a decade. Kansas City made major investments in the roster through free agency and the draft. But maybe more importantly, they showed confidence in several of their young, talented players who they think can take a big developmental step in 2026.

Kansas City has the second-youngest roster (including the youngest defense) in the NFL heading into 2026, and they are relying on several young players to take a big step in 2026. The Chiefs lost several veteran players to free agency, and the front office showed confidence in their ability to develop young players and rebuild through the draft.

It is clear that if the Chiefs are going to return to their previous heights of success, they will need to make some major developments this offseason. So, who should fans be watching this offseason who could be poised for a breakout in 2026?

Note: Rookies are not included as "breakout candidates".

Ashton Gillotte, Defensive End

The Chiefs' defensive end room struggled in 2025, and heading into next season, fans are expecting a change. While the Chiefs did make a major investment by landing R. Mason Thomas in the second round, 2025 third-round pick Ashton Gillotte could also be slated for a breakout season. Steve Spagnuolo loves big, athletic, and physical defensive linemen, and that is exactly what Gillotte brings to the table. He may very well be a Week 1 starter who holds down 50 percent of the snaps at defensive end for the Chiefs this season. Once a walk-on at Louisville, Gillotte is poised for a big year in 2026.

Jaden Hicks, Safety

This offseason, the Chiefs subtly showed confidence in Jaden Hicks to step up in a big way this season. Coming out of college, Hicks was one of my favorite safeties in the class, flashing elite athletic ability at Washington State in 2024. Heading into next season, the Chiefs' secondary will be very competitive, and Hicks is one of the favorites to take on a major role on the back end for Kansas City in 2026.

Jeffery Bassa, Linebacker

Coming into the 2025 NFL Draft, I had a third-round grade on Bassa, and when he fell into the fifth round, the Chiefs got a steal. While he played very limited snaps in 2025, Bassa will have a significant role in 2026, likely stepping into a potential starting role in Kansas City's base defense. Bassa is an athletic, instinctive, and skilled linebacker who can make an impact in every facet of the game, and the Chiefs would love to see him take a major step forward in 2026.

Esa Pole, Offensive Tackle

Earlier in the offseason, I wrote about how Chiefs fans should not be overlooking the impact Esa Pole will make on the Chiefs' offense next year. I was a big fan of Pole when he was coming out of Washington State, and his sheer athletic ability, combined with his projection under NFL coaching, was promising. Last season, we got to see glimpses of what Pole could be as an NFL tackle, and this year, he will be competing for a starting job at right tackle. Pole has never played right tackle at a high level, but even if he fills in as a depth swing tackle, his impact will be immeasurable.

Jake Briningstool, Tight End

One of Kansas City's biggest UDFA additions after the 2025 draft, we did not see much of Briningstool, as he missed almost the entire season with a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. While this is likely more of a long shot, there is an opening at tight end behind Travis Kelce, and with this likely being No. 87's last season for the Chiefs, Briningstool has a chance to fight for a major role. Coming out of Clemson, Briningstool looked like an elite pass catcher, and the tools are all there for him to have a strong NFL career, and he could break out next season.

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