NFL

Chiefs Team Needs: 5 Positions To Target In NFL Draft & Free Agency

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By
Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published13 Feb 2025

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs the ball against Houston Texans .

The Kansas City Chiefs fell short of becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Now, the offseason begins, and the Chiefs have several team needs. These are the five positions to target in the NFL Draft and free agency.

Offensive Line

The Eagles manhandled the Chiefs offensive line in Super Bowl LIX. Philly did this while rushing four and dropping seven.

The Chiefs must protect Patrick Mahomes if they want to return to the Super Bowl.

Strengthening the offensive line will be a major point of emphasis this offseason.

The Chiefs will likely lose offensive guard Trey Smith to free agency.

The Chiefs have spent draft capital on the offensive line in previous drafts. However, Kansas City will likely have to find replacement linemen in free agency.

Wide Receiver

Ever since Tyreek Hill left, the Chiefs have been patching together their receiving corps.

Rashee Rice should be the team’s No. 1 receiver in 2025. However, Rice will probably serve a suspension to start the season.

Xavier Worthy showed promise toward the end of the season and caught two touchdowns in the Super Bowl.

However, Kansas City has major questions at the other pass-catching positions. DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Hollywood Brown could all leave Kansas City this offseason.

Travis Kelce is also contemplating retirement.

The Chiefs must find more weapons for Mahomes on the perimeter.

Linebacker

The Chiefs might lose their best linebacker to free agency.

Nick Bolton is set to be a free agent and could receive a huge payday from another team.

The Chiefs do not have the cash to match other teams’ offers, meaning Bolton would have to take a discount to return to Kansas City.

The Chiefs drafted Bolton in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They could surely find his replacement in the 202 NFL Draft.

Defensive Line

Chris Jones is still one of the five best defensive linemen in the NFL.

George Karlaftis is a solid edge rusher.

Karlaftis’ running mate, edge rusher Charles Omenihu, might depart in free agency.

Kansas City rarely made things uncomfortable for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Expect the Chiefs to trade for a defensive end or use a high draft pick on an edge rusher.

Running Back

Isiah Pacheco had an up-and-down season because of injury. The third-year player could never settle into a rhythm this season.

Kareem Hunt did most of the heavy lifting this season.

The Chiefs like to use multiple backs. With Hunt set to be a free agent, will the Chiefs re-sign the veteran running back?

If the Chiefs move on from Hunt, expect them to use a Day 3 pick on a running back like they did with Pacheco in 2022.