The Kansas City Chiefs are continuing to reshape their roster following a difficult 2025 season, and one of their latest moves reflects confidence in internal growth, as the team brought back wide receiver Jason Brownlee for another opportunity.
After finishing 6-11, general manager Brett Veach shifted his focus toward stability, choosing to retain young players who already understand the system and can continue developing alongside Patrick Mahomes.
In the weeks after the season, Kansas City Chiefs signed multiple players to reserve and future contracts, many of them from the practice squad, showing a preference for continuity over drastic change.
Brownlee’s return stood out among those moves, largely because of his steady progress behind the scenes and the flashes he showed when given limited opportunities.
The former Southern Mississippi standout entered the league as an undrafted free agent, beginning his career with the New York Jets before searching for a more permanent role elsewhere.
He joined the Kansas City Chiefs‘ practice squad in early 2025 and remained with the organization after signing a reserve deal following their Super Bowl LIX loss to Philadelphia.
During training camp and preseason, Brownlee began drawing attention, particularly after catching a back-shoulder touchdown from Patrick Mahomes against Arizona.
That moment helped him earn a roster spot while Rashee Rice served a suspension, and although his targets were limited, he contributed through blocking and special teams work.
Once Rice returned, Brownlee was released and later re-signed, a move that signaled Kansas City Chiefs‘ continued interest in his long-term development.
With several veteran receivers nearing free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs now view Brownlee as a cost-effective option who could grow into a more meaningful role.
Kansas City Chiefs react to new offensive coordinator
Alongside roster adjustments, Kansas City Chiefs has also taken steps to reshape its coaching staff, highlighted by the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
Head coach Andy Reid explained that while several candidates were considered, the organization prioritized experience and familiarity in a competitive hiring market.
Bieniemy previously played a major role in the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offensive rise, first as running backs coach and later as coordinator during multiple deep playoff runs.
After spending three seasons away from the organization, his return represents a renewed commitment to discipline, structure, and aggressive play-calling.
Reid spoke openly about what Bieniemy brings to the locker room and coaching staff, pointing to his intensity and leadership.
“It’s good to get him back in the building,” Reid said of Bieniemy. “And I think we all know the energy that Eric (Eric Bieniemy) brings and what he gives to a football team.
“So, then he’s coming off a heck of a season with the Chicago Bears. My hat goes off to the Bears and the great job that they did there.”
Reid later clarified that his comments were not meant to diminish Matt Nagy‘s work, but instead to highlight the different perspective Bieniemy provides.
Following the worst season of Reid’s tenure in Kansas City Chiefs, the coaching staff understands that offensive consistency must improve quickly.
Bieniemy’s familiarity with Patrick Mahomes and his demanding approach are expected to help young receivers, including Jason Brownlee, develop more rapidly.
