But 2025 was a significant drop-off from the AFC champs.

A 6-11 record, coupled with poor play and injuries, saw the Chiefs be a shadow of their former selves.

Called a soft reset this offseason, is there any reason for Chiefs Kingdom to be optimistic about their team’s chances in 2026?

For CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, the answer is yes, and it’s because of one player.

“The reasons for optimism should be pretty straightforward,” Edwards writes. “If Patrick Mahomes is on schedule to return next season, Kansas City will once again be in the mix to contend for the AFC. “Fortunately, the Chiefs are strapped with premium draft capital which they have not seen in quite some time.”

Chiefs have high draft pick…finally

Having spent the past few seasons picking either at the end, or near the end of the first round, Kansas City will now get a genuine look at supreme talent in the draft.

Currently holding the No. 9 overall pick, the Chiefs have a shot at landing a high-quality player.

But where do they look?

A running back to ease the workload on Mahomes? A pass rusher or corner?

All of the above are needs, so it will be interesting to see how the Chiefs play it out.

They haven’t picked this high in a draft for years, so the Chiefs can’t waste this opportunity.