​The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL season hoping to become the first team to earn a Super Bowl three-peat.Instead, they sputtered to their worst-ever finish during Andy Reid’s 13 seasons in Kansas City.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Chiefs posted just a 6-11 record in a season that was marred by a bevy offensive issues that led to the team struggle badly in one-score contests. Kansas City lost starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in the game during which it was eliminated from playoff contention, adding injury to what was already an insulting season.As such, Kansas City entered the offseason hoping for two things: get healthy and reshape its roster to better support Mahomes, especially with him returning from a significant injury.Were the Chiefs able to accomplish those goals? Here’s a complete breakdown of Kansas City’s offseason and whether the team has the talent and pathway needed to be a contender in 2026.1 / 29Highmark Stadium. Buffalo Bills. Opening in 2026.(Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)Free agency was a mixed bag for the Chiefs. On the one hand, they made a notable upgrade to their running game by signing Kenneth Walker to replace Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. The Super Bowl 60 MVP should help take pressure off Mahomes, which could prove critical as the 31-year-old quarterback returns from his significant knee injury.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the Chiefs also lost a lot of talent, particularly on defense. Notably, they lost three starters from their secondary, as cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook signed with the Rams and Bengals in free agency while star cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams.That overhaul, along with the loss of linebacker Leo Chenal, could prove a lot for the Chiefs to overcome on defense even after adding some solid veteran depth in the form of defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, safety Alohi Gilman and CB L’Jarius Sneed.The good news for the Chiefs? They had a rock-solid 2026 NFL Draft that helped shore up their defense. Kansas City spent its first three picks on that side of the ball, landing the draft’s top cornerback, Mansoor Delane, a potential-packed defensive tackle in Peter Woods and an explosive, high-motor edge rusher in R Mason Thomas.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Chiefs also spent a seventh-round selection on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier – viewed by many as a Day 2 talent – after he slid due to injury. Having him to develop behind Mahomes and free-agent signee Justin Fields will be nice for Reid.1 / 4OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)This version of the Chiefs has more concerns than previous iterations. The cornerback group is particularly suspect, though Delane’s presence raises that unit’s ceiling. Elsewhere, the team is thinner than most would like at receiver while right tackle remains a question mark.