Nobody saw the Kansas City Chiefs going 6-11 in 2025 coming.
They appeared poised to make yet another run at a Super Bowl, but injuries, an improved AFC West division, and lack of a rushing attack and pass rush caused the team to take a big step backward.
Many are wondering how quickly the Chiefs can return to being a powerhouse. Since drafting quarterback Patrick Mahomes back in 2017, they have not had as many glaring holes in their roster as they currently do. However, Kansas City has nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, and are reconstructing its roster to create enough salary cap space to sign a couple of impact free agents.
Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith Reveals Team’s Mindset on Outside Doubt
It’s not unrealistic to believe that the Chiefs can get things turned around quickly. While appearing on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams on Thursday, offensive guard Trey Smith had this to say about those who are writing the Chiefs’ dynasty off:
“I think back to a Mike Tomlin quote – we do not care,” Smith said. “We don’t care at the end of the day. We’re over here playing ball, just doing our job. We just got to be better, man. A lot of times last season we weren’t playing our best football. We weren’t playing complementary football. At the end of the day, we just have to go back to the drawing board and be great this offseason. Everyone has to prepare. Individually, I’ve looked myself in the mirror. What can I do to be better for my team? Let’s approach it with a different mentality, just so I can be the best version of myself and this organization. And with that, we’ll keep winning.”
“We do NOT care.”
@treysmith | @heykayadamsPart of the reason the Chiefs have been so successful over the past decade is due to their ability to block out what people outside of the organization say. That begins with strong leadership from coach Andy Reid, which trickles down to team leaders such as Mahomes and Smith. It is also a reason why Kansas City brough back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
How Can Chiefs Return to Dominance in 2026?
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The last time the Chiefs entered a season with this many questions was in 2022. They just lost wide receiver Tyreek Hill on offense, and retooled their defense with a bunch of rookies. Many people chalked it up to a rebuilding year, but just the opposite happened as Kansas City went on to win the Super Bowl and Mahomes earned his second MVP award.
If the Chiefs are going to replicate that success, they will have to hit a home run in the draft. Just like in 2022 when they selected cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, the Chiefs have two first-round picks in this year’s draft. If they can get an infusion of young talent that makes an impact right off the bat, they will take a big step forward.
Another factor is free agency. Kansas City won’t likely be huge spenders in the grand scheme of things, but should have the opportunity to add a couple of free agents who can be difference makers. That includes a new backup quarterback, who may have to hold things down for Mahomes at the beginning of the season as he recovers from his torn ACL.
Trey Smith Responds to Claims of Chiefs’ Dynasty Being Over