The Kansas City Chiefs dynasty is on the line as the team is chasing football immortality as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. After narrowly missing a historic third straight Super Bowl victory, the franchise faces a pivotal NFL offseason with pressing roster concerns, key potential departures, and the 31st overall pick in their pocket.
Kansas City Chiefs Dynasty: A Championship Window That Needs Reinforcement
The Kansas City Chiefs finished the regular season with an impressive 15-2 record, but a closer look reveals cracks beneath the surface of their success. Many of those wins came by narrow margins against teams they were expected to dominate, suggesting that experience and championship DNA carried them more than dominant play.
Their journey ended in crushing fashion, as the Philadelphia Eagles completely dismantled them in the Super Bowl. Mahomes was under siege behind a struggling offensive line, and both offensive rhythm and defensive toughness failed to match the moment. For a team seeking to stay ahead of emerging contenders, meaningful roster upgrades are required on both sides of the ball.
Justin Reid, a Leader in the Secondary Gone
Since signing with Kansas City in 2022, safety Justin Reid was a foundational piece of the defense and a vocal leader. He contributed meaningfully to two Super Bowl wins and consistently brought experience, toughness, and intelligence to the back end.
Reid’s contract expired and the Chiefs were not able to re-sign him due to cap constraints, creating a glaring hole in both leadership and defensive production. His departure to New Orleans left Kansas City’s secondary exposed, especially in a pass-heavy conference filled with elite quarterbacks.
Wide Receiver Exodus Looming
The wide receiver room was a constant source of frustration throughout the 2024 season. Kansas City hoped that Marquise “Hollywood” Brown would become the explosive piece next to Rashee Rice and first-round rookie Xavier Worthy. Instead, Brown missed most of the season due to injury. Rice also went down, and the Chiefs were forced to pivot midseason.
JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeAndre Hopkins were brought in, but neither became reliable targets. Justin Watson did his best but is better suited as depth. All four — Brown, Smith-Schuster, Hopkins, and Watson — are free agents this offseason, and Hopkins and Watson already left. Kansas City must restock this position fast.
Offensive Line Demands Investment
The biggest failure in the Super Bowl was the offensive line. Mahomes barely had time to read the defense before being pressured or hit, which killed drives and momentum. While injuries were a factor, the core unit simply wasn’t up to the standard required for a championship team.
The Chiefs must get younger, faster, and tougher across the line. Both free agency and the draft will be key to this rebuild. Upgrades on the interior and possibly at tackle will be essential to keep Mahomes healthy and explosive deep into the postseason.
Pass Catchers Needed
Even with the expected return of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs are dangerously thin at wide receiver. Neither has proven they can handle a full season without injury, and Mahomes needs more reliable targets to keep defenses honest.
Additionally, Travis Kelce is entering the twilight of his career. While still productive, it’s smart to begin planning for his eventual replacement. The draft offers a chance to secure either a big-bodied receiver who can win contested catches or a versatile tight end to eventually take over for Kelce.
As the excitement builds for the Chiefs’ upcoming season, fans in the Show-Me State will soon have even more ways to get involved. With the rollout of a Bet365 Missouri bonus code expected by the end of 2025, following the passage of Amendment 2, supporters can look forward to a more immersive game day experience.
From following live odds to exploring local promotions, placing a bet has become another way to feel closer to the action—whether it’s backing Mahomes for MVP or riding with the Chiefs week after week.
Defensive Line Needs Reinforcement
Chris Jones continues to anchor the middle of the defensive front with power and consistency, and George Karlaftis has emerged as a strong presence off the EDGE. But beyond them, Kansas City struggled to pressure Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl and failed to collapse the pocket consistently during the season.
With Jones aging and depth lacking, the Chiefs need to bring in at least one more disruptive force. Investing in another EDGE rusher with high upside could shift the entire balance of the defensive front.
Secondary Concerns Grow
Since Reid walked away, Kansas City faces a massive void at safety. His leadership and ability to cover ground made a big difference in high-leverage games. The rest of the secondary didn’t perform at a consistently high level last season, giving up big plays and often appearing out of sync.
The Chiefs need at least one starter-caliber safety and possibly a slot corner who can handle quick-twitch receivers. With pass-happy teams like the Bills and Bengals on the schedule, improving the defensive backfield is not optional.
Draft Target – Jonah Savaiinaea
Jonah Savaiinaea is one of the top interior linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft class. A product of Arizona, he’s built like a prototype NFL guard but has experience playing tackle, which adds to his versatility. His athleticism and strength make him an excellent candidate to become a Week 1 starter in Kansas City.
With the offensive line being a major weakness in the Super Bowl loss, drafting Savaiinaea at 31 could be a strategic move to protect Mahomes and improve the ground game simultaneously.
Draft Target – Donovan Jackson
Donovan Jackson just won a national title with Ohio State and has NFL-ready tools to contribute immediately. He’s agile for his size and can handle top-tier pass rushers with poise and technique.
Jackson would bring championship experience to a team looking to return to the mountaintop. With his combination of footwork, strength, and intelligence, he could slide into a starting role and help solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line for the long haul.
Draft Target – Matthew Golden
Matthew Golden offers a unique skill set for any team picking in the late first round. The Texas wide receiver is fast, shifty, and can play multiple receiver positions effectively. His athleticism is a huge plus, and he has the potential to become a dynamic weapon with the right coaching.
Though some scouts think he could add more physicality to his game, Kansas City’s staff is among the best in the league at developing raw talent. Golden would bring valuable depth and upside to a depleted wide receiver room.
Draft Target – James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr. is one of the most intriguing EDGE prospects in the 2025 class. At Tennessee, he displayed elite athleticism and flashed serious potential as a disruptive force off the edge. His frame, speed, and motor are all pro-caliber.
What he lacks in polished technique, he makes up for with raw ability. Under the guidance of Steve Spagnuolo, Pearce could develop into a difference-maker. Picking him at 31 could be a long-term win for a defense looking for more consistent pressure.
The Road Ahead in the AFC West
Despite some turbulence, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the kings of the AFC West. Patrick Mahomes continues to be the ultimate equalizer, and Travis Kelce is still delivering elite production. However, the margin for error is narrowing.
The Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders are all loading up to take a shot at the throne. To maintain their dominance, the Chiefs must hit big in the 2025 NFL Draft and stay healthy throughout the campaign. Their regular season will include clashes with the Bengals, Bills, and 49ers—matchups that could determine playoff seeding and serve as early tests of the team’s resolve.
Main image credit: © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
