The Kansas City Chiefs will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, ending a long-standing tradition of dominance over their division and the NFL as a whole. This success began before the Chiefs evolved into a dynasty, and this may be the end of it.

The future’s unclear for the Chiefs, and there’s a chance that Andy Reid doesn’t come back to coach this team anymore. Patrick Mahomes has already undergone surgery for his ACL, and there’s no chance that Travis Kelce stays with the team after the disaster that was this season. In the midst of all this movement and chaos, who are some players the Chiefs cannot allow to slip through the cracks?

Must Keep at All Costs

The Chiefs’ defense hasn’t been what it once was, and that’s a mix of Chris Jones getting older and their front office missing in the draft. A player they didn’t miss on was Leo Chenal, who was a third-round pick four years ago and continues to make plays for the Chiefs.

In just 14 games this season, he’s already racked up 58 tackles, two sacks, and passes defended, and has the lone interception of his career. The best part is that Chenal is still 25 and can still grow. He’s a player they can’t afford to let go, as their linebacker corps would be in shambles without him.

The only running back slated to be on the Chiefs roster next season is Brashard Smith, and the Chiefs have a big hole at that position. Out of all the running backs they could bring back, I believe Kareem Hunt offers more than any other candidate.

Unlike Chenal, who’s exiting his rookie contract, Hunt knew what he was signing on to do when he accepted that one-year extension to come back with the team. The 2025 season may have left a bad taste in his mouth, but if he’s willing to come back, the Chiefs would be making a mistake in not even sending an offer.

The best thing about Hunt is that he’ll be effective regardless of whether he’s the starter or not. He’s used to the Chiefs’ system by now, and he’s a touchdown monster on the goal line. He lacks that explosiveness that makes him a premier option as their starter, but his hard-running style makes it hard for the Chiefs not to run it back with him and hope for the best.