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Chiefs News 1/8: Chiefs are ‘aware’ of allegations about Rashee Rice

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The latest​


Kansas City Chiefs say they are aware of domestic violence allegations involving Rashee Rice | KMBC

An ex-girlfriend of Rice made the allegations in a public Instagram post on Wednesday.

“I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image,” the woman said in the post. “I’ve been through too much in a span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH!”

The post does not name Rice, but the team is in communication with the NFL.

“The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League,” the Chiefs said in the statement. “We have no further comment at this time.”

Report: Chiefs fire WRs coach Connor Embree | Pro Football Talk

The Chiefs have parted ways with wide receiver coach Connor Embree, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.

Rapoport adds that Embree might not be the only change that Andy Reid makes to his staff after a disappointing season.

Hollywood Brown was the Chiefs’ leading wideout this season, finishing with 49 catches for 587 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Travis Kelce led the team with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five scores.

Travis Kelce becomes the first 3-time winner of Nationwide’s Charity Challenge | KSHB

Kelce first won the fan-driven contest in 2020-21.

The award means Kelce earned $35,000 for his charity of choice, Operation Breakthrough Ignition Lab in Kansas City.

Kelce has supported Operation Breakthrough for over a decade. His work includes spearheading the Ignition Lab in 2021 to “provide a workforce development program where students ages 14-18 spend time each week getting real-world experience in fields ranging from culinary arts to automotive and engineering.”

Weighing fifth-year options for 2023 NFL Draft’s first-round selections | NFL.com

Pick 31: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Kansas City Chiefs
Exercise the option? No.

Anudike-Uzomah missed the entire 2025 campaign with a hamstring injury and didn’t make much of an impact in his first two seasons, totaling just three sacks in 34 games (three starts). The Chiefs must quickly improve their pass rush if they don’t want a repeat of this season, and unfortunately, Anudike-Uzomah’s output to this point does not suggest he’ll be a part of that solution.

Around the NFL


Todd Bowles says he’s back as Bucs head coach for 2026 season | Tampa Bay Times

Todd Bowles stated his case plainly Monday, saying three consecutive NFC South titles should count for something even if his team missed the playoffs this year.

Apparently the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs agreed.

Bowles confirmed Wednesday that he is returning as Bucs head coach for the 2026 season, his fifth at the helm in Tampa Bay.

In a text message to the Tampa Bay Times, he also allowed that there could be some changes to his coaching staff.

Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs declares for NFL draft | ESPN

Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs is leaving school early and declaring for the NFL draft, he announced on social media Wednesday.

Downs is projected as a top-10 pick in ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid’s current rankings. No safety has been picked in the top 10 since the Jets took Jamal Adams with the No. 6 pick in 2017.

This year, Downs earned the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football.

He was also a two-time unanimous All-American and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Downs had 68 tackles this season, to go along with two forced fumbles, two interceptions and a sack.

NFL sees 2nd-highest regular season average viewership since 1988 at 18.7 million, up 10% from 2024 | Associated Press

The Thanksgiving Day game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys averaged 57.23 million, making it the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history. According to Nielsen, the game generated 11.7 billion viewing minutes on Nov. 27 and was the top broadcast telecast of the month. By comparison, “Stranger Things” on Netflix totaled 11.8 billion viewing minutes across the entire month since it was available on demand.

CBS’ most-viewed Sunday game was what seems to be the yearly meeting between Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. The Bills-Chiefs matchup on Nov. 2 averaged 30.84 million.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride


Chiefs’ Travis Kelce will let body rest before deciding on retirement

“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, having the exit meetings and everything, and they know where I stand — at least right now,” Kelce said. “There’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there; I don’t think I’ll ever lose that. It’s a tough thing to navigate.”

For Kelce, it will come down to how he feels physically — but he has a clear stance about his desire to play.

“If my body can heal up and rest up, and I can feel confident I can give it another 18-21-week run, I would do it in a heartbeat,” Kelce noted. “Right now, it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and when it all settles down.”

Social media to make you think

Remember the last time they said he would never be the same.

✂️🦿👷‍♂️↗️📈⏫ pic.twitter.com/eetoqXuQ7Q

— Bobby Stroupe (@bobbystroupe) January 8, 2026

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...chiefs-aware-of-allegations-about-rashee-rice
 
Top 5 takeaways from the Chiefs’ 2025 season

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Before the offseason gets rolling, it’s important to reflect on what the Kansas City Chiefs were in the 2025 season. It was an incredibly frustrating campaign. The only way to ensure that doesn’t happen again is by learning from it.

So, here are five takeaways from the Chiefs’ season and what it might mean for 2026 and beyond:

1. The future of the offensive line is incredibly bright


It’s easy to forget now, but the Chiefs’ offensive line —particularly the left side — was being questioned before 2025. We weren’t sure what we were getting from left tackle Josh Simmons or left guard Kingsley Suamataia.

Kansas City feels much better about the offensive tackle situation now. Simmons had a frustrating season with injuries and a personal situation, but when he played, he looked like a top-5 left tackle already and is on track to become an All-Pro soon.

Suamataia wasn’t as dominant, but he got better every week and was playing great football by the end of the year. His physical profile stands out every week, but he also continues to improve his technique.

Between Simmons, Suamataia, center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith, the Chiefs have four offensive linemen who are all young and have played together for a while. All four are athletic marvels that should give the Chiefs schematic versatility. They have the potential to be the best offensive line in the NFL next year. The team should prioritize building the scheme around the offensive line.

2. The running back room needs to be overhauled


Despite having a great offensive line, the Chiefs’ run game was terrible all season. Unless it was a short-yardage run, most of Kansas City’s other runs were wasted downs. There were never any explosive runs.

Nearly all of the blame for that goes to the running backs; they were not good enough in 2025. Kareem Hunt was this team’s best running back and he rarely gained more than 7-8 yards on a handoff. Isiah Pacheco was plagued with injuries. The staff didn’t have a role for rookie Brashard Smith.

There are valid questions about the Chiefs’ run scheme and how difficult it is for ball carriers. The reliance on run-pass options plays into that, but Kansas City’s run blocking was too good to be so ineffective. The team needs multiple additions to the backfield this offseason.

3. The pass offense needs to beat man coverage​


Kansas City lacks a single receiver who can beat man coverage consistently. Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy are too small to play outside receiver. Rashee Rice has struggled to create separation against man coverage since he was at SMU. That’s not Juju Smith-Schuster’s or Tyquan Thornton’s games.

Once tight end Travis Kelce’s ability to beat man coverage diminished at all, the Chiefs haven’t had answers, and it’s due to personnel. Teams have realized this and played more man coverage through the years. When they do, the Kansas City offense stalls.

In particular, the team needs an X-receiver who can align backside on a formation and win one-on-one. That would make it easier to put receivers into other roles and give Mahomes an easy read when teams play man coverage.

4. The pass rush isn’t close to good enough


This has been a problem for two years, and the Chiefs know it. Neither of the Chiefs’ Day 2 picks — defensive end Ashton Gillotte and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott — provided enough impact in Year 1. Former first-round pick, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was out all season and had done little beforehand. Then Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu seemingly slowed down, leading to the Chiefs’ pass-rush depth being too thin behind defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis.

In the past, Kansas City has overcome thin pass rush depth by using blitzes and creative pressures to bother quarterbacks. However, the strategy worked more when the Chiefs had higher-end talent in the defensive backfield. Kansas City’s blitzes didn’t work as well this year because the unit couldn’t play man coverage as well.

There’s no easier way to improve your defense than getting more pass rush help. A good pass rush works across all schemes and fronts. As of today, the personal preference for the ninth overall pick would be defensive end. But even beyond that, the defense needs multiple acquisitions.

5. The offense needs to get bigger


The Chiefs need bigger body types.

The receivers need to be bigger and capable of playing on the outside, but the tight ends also have to be more physical players. We’ll see what happens with Kelce, but regardless of his decision, the Chiefs need to bring in tight ends who can block. When the offense uses multiple tight ends, those players need to make a bigger difference in blocking. Backup tight end Noah Gray has utility, but he’s not a stout blocker and it limits the play calling.

When the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII and had the best offense in the NFL in 2022, it was because the unit got bigger. The offense used more sets with three tight ends that season and had Blake Bell to block. Wide receivers Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling weren’t perfect, but they were bigger body types that could block. Their run game was sized up as a more downhill run game.

It feels like they learned some of the wrong lessons from that season and went the opposite way. Their receivers and tight ends have gotten smaller. The team uses run plays with more finesse than power.

Fortunately, the Chiefs don’t need to overhaul everything. Their offensive line is big and violent. Their running backs play with power. The unit just needs bigger players on the perimeter. When Kansas City signs some receivers or tight ends in free agency, it will be worth monitoring if they are big and like to block.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...91964/top-5-takeaways-from-chiefs-2025-season
 
Chiefs News 1/9: Bold trade could reopen Chiefs’ Super Bowl window

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The latest​


How do the Chiefs, Ravens and Bengals reopen their Super Bowl windows? | The Athletic

It’s why Veach might have to seriously consider a transaction nearly as bold as the one he made with Hill. That could mean trading McDuffie.

The logic is there. McDuffie, at 25, remains in his prime and is everything a team could want from a personality and off-the-field perspective. The Chiefs already exercised his fifth-year rookie option for 2026 at $13 million. If they don’t plan to give him a long-term extension now, though, it would make sense to move him to another team that would be happy to lock in a young franchise corner for the foreseeable future.

McDuffie would bring a healthy return. The Jets just received two first-round picks when trading cornerback Sauce Gardner, and while McDuffie shouldn’t be considered at Gardner’s level, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for the Chiefs to think he could bring back something in the range of a first-round pick.

2026 NFL offseason preview: Kansas City Chiefs don’t feel inevitable anymore and face a huge few months | Yahoo! Sports

Cap/cuts outlook

No team will head into the offseason with less salary cap space than the Chiefs, with -$66 million in effective space, per Over The Cap. That looks way worse than it is because Patrick Mahomes has a $78 million cap hit that will either be restructured or lowered with a new contract. Restructuring Mahomes could free up $44 million, and doing so to Chris Jones would open another $22 million. While Jawaan Taylor was not nearly the biggest of Kansas City’s problems when he was on the field, it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs holding onto him, given moving on from the veteran would free up $20 million in cap space.

Mike McDaniel landing spots: Former Dolphins HC becomes top OC option | USA Today

Kansas City Chiefs

Though McDaniel wouldn’t handle play-calling duties under head coach Andy Reid, he would be in charge of implementing a new offense for the Chiefs. As quarterback Patrick Mahomes returns from his ACL injury and Kansas City spends the offseason retooling after a disappointing 2026, McDaniel could be the perfect candidate to right the ship for the offense.

McDaniel proved in Miami that he’s good at building an offense to maximize his players’ strengths and mitigate weaknesses. That could make him a perfect fit for a team lacking dynamic playmakers outside of their quarterback.

Around the NFL


Lions expect to discuss trading David Montgomery this offseason | Pro Football Talk

“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because got a lot of respect for that player,” Holmes said, via the Detroit Free Press. “He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized. And so yeah, would love it for it to be here, but if it can’t be here, then you would have to just see what you can work out the best for him.”

Holmes said he’d still like to find a way to keep Montgomery, who has two years left on his contract and is due $6 million in 2026.

“I hope it doesn’t, because we love David Montgomery. He’s a good football player and wish we would have been able to get more utilization from him,” Holmes said.

The 28-year-old Montgomery had a career-low 158 carries for a career-low 716 yards in 2025. He did not start any games, while Gibbs started all 17. If the Lions can find a a team that views Montgomery as a starter, it would make sense for all sides for the Lions to trade him.

NFL fan goes viral after squatting Trevor Lawrence at bar | WHIOTV 7

Lane was waiting for a friend at a Jacksonville bar when Lawrence walked out.

Instead of asking for a picture, she asked if she could squat him.

“His reaction was very shocked. He looked at me and asked if I was being serious, and I said, ‘I very much am,’” she told CNN affiliate WJXT-TV in Jacksonville.

Lane is a disabled veteran. She told WJXT that she did five squats with Lawrence on her shoulders.

“After I put him down, he stood there for a second and, whoa, ‘You’re a very strong woman.’ I said, ‘Thanks, I work out,’” said Lane.

Patriots vs. Chargers weather forecast for NFL wild card playoffs | Pats Pulpit

According to a forecast shared on NFL Weather, temperatures in Foxborough will be in the low 30s throughout the contest, with a wind chill as low as 23°F. In addition, there is a “chance of rain” that might turn into snow later during the night.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, predicts a chance of rain and snow before 10 p.m. even though “little or no snow accumulation [is] expected.” Wind gusts of up to 23 mph are also part of the prognosis.

The possible combination of low temperatures with wet and windy conditions could create some challenges for the Patriots and Chargers. Ball security will be paramount for the two teams, who fumbled the ball a respective 20 and 17 times during the regular season, losing eight and seven of them along the way.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride


Lessons from the last three weeks of Chiefs football

Once McDuffie and Watson were sidelined over the final three games, both Fulton and Williams were thrust into full-time boundary roles — and both responded well. I wrote about Williams’ growth a week ago. Fulton consistently flashed his best trait: defending at the catch point, something he’s done well dating back to LSU.

One of the quieter storylines this offseason will be how Kansas City approaches the cornerback position. Watson will be a free agent who is likely to command a significant deal, while McDuffie enters his fifth-year option season. Whether that leads to an extension or even a trade remains an open question.

No matter how those decisions shake out, both Williams and Fulton showed enough to be part of the 2026 plan. Williams appears capable of starting a full season, while Fulton’s durability remains a concern — meaning additional depth will still be necessary.

Social media to make you think

Mike don’t fit yall scheme buddy sorry to tell ya

— Ty Hill (@cheetah) January 8, 2026

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...d-trade-could-reopen-chiefs-super-bowl-window
 
Only one Chiefs player named to 2025 All-Pro team

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The Associated Press announced its 2025 NFL All-Pro team, which was selected by a national panel of 50 media members.

Just one player from the Kansas City Chiefs — center Creed Humphrey — made either the first or second team.


First team​


Offense​

Defense​

Special teams​


Second team​


Offense​

  • Quarterback: Drake Maye, New England Patriots
  • Running back: James Cook, Bills
  • Fullback: Patrick Ricard, Ravens
  • Wide receivers: George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions; Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
  • All-purpose: Bijan Robinson, Falcons
  • Tight end: Kyle Pitts, Falcons
  • Left tackle: Trent Williams, 49ers
  • Left guard: Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts
  • Center: Aaron Brewer, Dolphins
  • Right guard: Chris Lindstrom, Falcons
  • Right tackle: Darnell Wright, Bears

Defense​

  • Edge rushers: Brian Burns, New York Giants; Danielle Hunter, Texans; Aidan Hutchinson, Lions
  • Interior linemen: Leonard Williams, Seahawks; Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Linebackers: Devin Lloyd, Jaguars; Ernest Jones IV, Seahawks
  • Cornerbacks: Patrick Surtain II, Broncos; Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks
  • Slot cornerback: Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Safeties: Jessie Bates III, Falcons; *Talanoa Hufanga, Broncos; *Xavier McKinney, Packers

Special teams​

  • Placekicker: Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys
  • Punter: Michael Dickson, Seahawks
  • Kick returner: Kavontae Turpin, Cowboys
  • Punt returner: Marcus Jones, Patriots
  • Special teamer: Del’Shawn Phillips, Chargers
  • Long snapper: Andrew DePaola, Vikings

*Tied for second position

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...-one-chiefs-player-named-to-2025-all-pro-team
 
Let’s Argue: The Chiefs should trade Chris Jones

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In our “Let’s Argue” series, Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.


Chris Jones should be traded​

Chris Jones should be traded
Coaching Staff as a whole should be revamped .

— john (@john73904854193) January 9, 2026

I’ve seen this take coming from Chiefs Kingdom several times.

I understand the sentiment: the Chiefs need as many draft picks as possible. Still, Kansas City is approaching next season as a reload, not a rebuild.

For the Chiefs to realistically get back to the Super Bowl, Jones needs to be part of the plan. He may be getting older, but he still has the ability to completely wreck games.

If the Chiefs can give him legitimate help along the defensive line, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his sack production rebound.


Trade Chris Jones for MJ18 straight up​

Trade Chris Jones for RJ18 straight up

— RealChrisG (@RealChrisG1972) January 6, 2026

I’m assuming “RJ18” refers to Marvin Harrison Jr.

Coming out of Ohio State, Harrison was viewed as one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent memory. After his first two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, however, many have labeled him a disappointment.

That conclusion is understandable, but it’s hard to imagine Arizona moving on from him right now. With signs pointing toward a potential move away from Kyler Murray, the Cardinals likely want to see what Harrison looks like with a new quarterback.


The Chiefs should spend money on a free-agent QB to start the season and then back up Patrick Mahomes​

Assuming we create cap space, we will spend money on FA starting caliber QB to be starter for the season and backup when Mahomes is back.

— Robbie Adams (@jiveadams) January 7, 2026

With the Chiefs facing a long list of needs, the backup quarterback position doesn’t get much attention.

Maybe it should.

Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from his ACL injury raises legitimate questions about how Brett Veach and the front office should approach the position.

There’s a scenario where Gardner Minshew returns. He feels older than he is, but he’s still just 29. And yes… his brief stint didn’t impress.

At the same time, Minshew didn’t have access to a full complement of weapons. He knows the system, and if pressed into action for a few games, he could manage things adequately.

If the Chiefs look outside the organization, names like Marcus Mariota or Zach Wilson would at least be intriguing options.

Ultimately, if Mahomes is unavailable, this team isn’t competing for a Super Bowl anyway — and there’s reason to believe he’ll be ready for Week 1.


Will the Kansas stadium deal pressure Clark Hunt to begin replacing Andy Reid?​

Here's one… With the Kansas stadium deal, driven in large part by the Chief's dominance over the last decade how pressured will Hunt be to start the process of replacing Reid – ie. hiring an OC to audition for the HC job – given the failures this season?

— Philly See (@PhilCassens) January 6, 2026

It’s an interesting question, but team’s owner has never shown much interest in inserting himself into coaching decisions.

When it comes to football operations, those decisions belong to Brett Veach and Andy Reid. Reid can remain head coach in Kansas City for as long as he chooses — winning three Super Bowls and reaching seven straight AFC Championship Games tends to earn that latitude.

As for offensive coordinator, Reid would likely turn to someone from his coaching tree — names like Eric Bieniemy or Mike Kafka.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...chiefs-hot-takes-chris-jones-should-be-traded
 
4 things the Chiefs need to do in the 2026 offseason

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ season is over — and after finishing with a disappointing 6–11 record, they enter the offseason facing a long list of questions.

This year looks nothing like the championship standard established during the Andy Reid era, and a devastating injury to the team’s most important player only adds to the uncertainty ahead.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear means a full offseason of rehabilitation, with the hope that he will be ready when the season begins. It also raises the stakes for every decision this offseason. The strain he endured throughout the year was, in part, a reflection of the supporting cast around him. And the way the team performed in his absence served as a stark reminder of how fragile things can look in Kansas City without him.

Here are four areas the team must address this offseason.


1. Move on from expensive veteran contracts


The Chiefs need to be aggressive this offseason, and that may require difficult decisions involving veteran starters. These players have not necessarily underperformed, but the financial savings gained by moving on from their contracts could outweigh their on-field value.

The most likely cap casualties include right tackle Jawaan Taylor, linebacker Drue Tranquill and defensive end Mike Danna.

Taylor is scheduled to make $27 million in 2026, but releasing him would leave only $7 million in dead cap, creating $20 million in savings. His tenure in Kansas City has been uneven, and with Jaylon Moore returning in 2026, moving on may be the prudent choice.

Danna carries a cap hit north of $11 million in 2026, but releasing him would result in just $2 million in dead cap. While he has been a solid role player, his production no longer aligns with the cost of his contract.

Tranquill is set to earn more than $7 million in 2026, with roughly $1 million in dead cap. Given his age and the team’s broader needs, the Chiefs may be better served reallocating those resources.

2. Draft impactful playmakers with the first two picks


The Chiefs will hold their best draft position in years, owning the ninth and 40th overall picks. That level of draft capital offers a rare opportunity to add a true difference-maker.

Getting the first-round pick right is essential. The ninth pick should allow the team to select from the very top tier of prospects. Wide receivers and defensive ends remain premium positions, and rookie contracts at those spots can reopen championship windows.

The 40th pick should also produce a player capable of contributing early while developing into a long-term contributor. The second-round selection offers four years of team control, but it should still yield a player capable of playing meaningful snaps early.

There will be plenty of time for speculation, but the focus should remain on top-tier defensive linemen and wide receivers.

3. Adopt new offensive philosophies


The offense has stagnated over the past two seasons, but upcoming staff changes could open the door for new ideas.

Wide receivers coach Connor Embree is already gone, while offensive coordinator Matt Nagy appears poised for another opportunity elsewhere, potentially leaving several key roles vacant.

If Nagy does depart, Reid faces a familiar question: stick with someone he knows, or look outside his circle.

Regardless of the title structure, bringing in an outside voice could help modernize the offense. Fresh perspectives across the league may offer solutions to unlock a better version of the unit in 2026.

4. Sign a running back in free agency


Drafting a running back early should remain off the table, but this free-agent class offers intriguing options — especially if the team can open up some cap space.

The roster currently projects to include Brashard Smith and Dameon Pierce in 2026, but adding a proven veteran could elevate the offense.

The free-agent pool is deep, featuring Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, Rico Dowdle, Javonte Williams, Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachaad White and JK Dobbins.

Signing a veteran comes with risk, but it also provides clarity — and insurance if Mahomes is not ready for Week 1. As he returns from injury, a more run-heavy approach may be necessary. A reliable veteran leading the backfield would help stabilize the offense.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans.../4-things-that-must-be-done-in-2026-offseason
 
Chiefs News 1/10: The NFL is investigating Rashee Rice

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The latest​


The NFL is investigating Rashee Rice − here’s what happens next | USA Today

It is unclear whether Rice’s ex-girlfriend has filed a police report associated with the allegations. Police in Overland Park, Kansas told USA TODAY that they responded to a call at Rice’s home in 2024 but that no abuse report was filed. The Dallas Police Department, where Rice previously lived, told USA TODAY, “It is not our practice to look up individuals by name.”

That won’t stop the NFL from investigating.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Jan. 8, an NFL spokesman said, “We have been in contact with the club about the matter which will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.”

According to the 2025 personal conduct policy, NFL players will be subject to discipline by the league even if their conduct does not result in criminal charges or a conviction.

How do teams like Warriors, Chiefs address ‘fading dynasty’? Let it linger or break it up? | The Athletic

The Chiefs went 15-2 last season, but in the Super Bowl, they were manhandled by the Eagles 40-22, ending their three-peat hopes and alerting everyone that their run was likely ending. And now, like the Warriors, they will try and soldier on as a fading dynasty.

Mahomes just turned 30 in September. Maybe Kansas City can reinvent itself.

The Chiefs’ goal, of course, should be to emulate the Patriots, who kept their run going for nearly two decades behind a quarterback (Brady) and a coach (Belichick). Despite all of their success, the run ended abruptly. Belichick pushed out Brady (who went on to win a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay) and then Belichick was fired by owner Robert Kraft.
Now, two years after that unceremonious ending, and with a new coach and a new young QB, the Patriots are rising again. They are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

The Blitz: We Picked an All-22 Team … and it’s Stacked with Stars | Fox Sports

Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

The fifth-year pro has been an elite performer for the Chiefs as a pivot from Day 1. Humphrey is an exceptional communicator and technician who controls the game at the line of scrimmage. Though the Chiefs’ offensive woes kept them from making another Super Bowl run, the veteran’s standout performance at the point of attack continues to earn rave reviews from evaluators.

Wild-Card Saturday Features 5 Potential Chiefs Free Agents | Sports Illustrated

Romeo Doubs, Packers wide receiver: Doubs is big and fast and – something Mahomes will love – sure-handed. Especially if Kansas City loses JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown, Doubs could be a great addition in Kansas City. He just set career highs in both receiving yards (724) and average per reception (13.2). And, he dropped only three passes all year. Plus, because he comes from the Packers, he’s a selfless and scrappy wide receiver who’ll block when Kansas City needs him.

Around the NFL


Chargers RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) to play vs. Patriots | ESPN

Hampton, the Chargers’ first-round rookie, has seen his season hindered by injuries. He was placed on injured reserve after the Chargers’ Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders with a fracture in his left ankle. He returned in Week 14 against the Eagles, only to sustain an injury to his other ankle in Week 17 against the Houston Texans.

“It’s definitely been different, but it’s something I’ve just got to keep getting treatment on and bounce back from,” Hampton said of the injuries.

Hampton said he wasn’t sure about the severity of his injury, but it occurred early in the fourth quarter against Houston when he was tackled by linebacker Henry To’oTo’o. Despite the injury, Hampton stayed in the game, finishing with 29 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 31 receiving yards.

Ravens OC Todd Monken says he could have coached Lamar Jackson better | The Athletic

Monken is not expected to return as the Ravens’ play-caller next year after the team fired head coach John Harbaugh. Baltimore is now hunting for a new leader.

“I didn’t have as good of a relationship as I could have. I didn’t do the things we needed to do this year to win enough games to give ourselves a chance. I believe that,” he said. “Lamar and I, to me, had a good relationship … Could it have been better? Of course. I never, Lamar and I, never had an issue.”

The passing game failed to find a groove down the stretch; big plays were rare, yet the Ravens still ranked 11th in the NFL in scoring. Jackson struggled in November with a three-turnover game, and Baltimore lost four of his final six starts. A 1-5 start almost doomed them completely, though a late-season clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers offered a chance at the AFC North. A missed field goal in the final seconds ended that hope.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride


Top 5 takeaways from the Chiefs’ 2025 season

5. The offense needs to get bigger

The Chiefs need bigger body types.

The receivers need to be bigger and capable of playing on the outside, but the tight ends also have to be more physical players. We’ll see what happens with Kelce, but regardless of his decision, the Chiefs need to bring in tight ends who can block. When the offense uses multiple tight ends, those players need to make a bigger difference in blocking. Backup tight end Noah Gray has utility, but he’s not a stout blocker and it limits the play calling.

When the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII and had the best offense in the NFL in 2022, it was because the unit got bigger. The offense used more sets with three tight ends that season and had Blake Bell to block. Wide receivers Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling weren’t perfect, but they were bigger body types that could block. Their run game was sized up as a more downhill run game.

Social media to make you think

Dug into this over the last few days…

The Chiefs were 30th in passing yards on PA throws, 30th in first downs, 26th in PA completion percentage and 21st in EPA per dropback. They threw just one PA TD all season. Every other team had at least two. Rams had 19!
[Data from FTN] https://t.co/IRqXwUA0HH

— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 9, 2026

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ews-1-10-the-nfl-is-investigating-rashee-rice
 
PFF mock draft has Chiefs valuing offense over defense in first round

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There are over three months until the 2026 NFL Draft, but with the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason underway, it’s time to consider what draft prospects the Chiefs could select with the ninth overall pick.

On Monday, Pro Football Focus posted a first-round mock draft with the order updated after a weekend of Wild Card playoff games. Here is the author’s prediction for how Kansas City will handle the first-round selection:

9. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are unrestricted free agents this offseason, and it seems likely that the Chiefs will part ways with one or both of them. Kansas City instead finds its future at running back with Love here. After posting a 91.1 PFF grade as a sophomore in 2023 (fifth), he followed that up with a nation-leading 93.1 grade this season.

My takeaway​


The top running back in the draft class has been a popular match with the Chiefs for obvious reasons. Not only are the Chiefs projected to lose the team’s top two rushers from 2025, but the running game also needs serious reinvigoration.

In this mock draft, the choice to bolster the offense comes at the expense of a worthwhile pick on defense. With the following pick, the Cincinnati Bengals selected edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech. According to PFF, Bailey led all FBS defenders in pressures (81) and sacks (15) in 2025.

Two picks later, the Dallas Cowboys were given edge rusher Kedric Faulk from Auburn. The large, stout defensive end seems to fit the physical criteria the Chiefs desire for defensive linemen under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

There are multiple paths Kansas City could take with the first-round pick in this year’s draft. If the answer is Love over impactful players in the defensive trenches, it may indicate how desperate the Chiefs are for a difference-making weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ock-draft-chiefs-valuing-offense-over-defense
 
Chiefs keep tight end Tre Watson as practice squad contracts expire

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According to Monday’s official NFL transactions report, the Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed practice squad tight end Tre Watson to a reserve/future contract. The agreement will become official at the start of the new league year on March 11.

Watson joined the Chiefs in April as an undrafted free agent. Although he has combined for 77 receptions for 872 yards over four college seasons spent between Fresno State and Texas A&M, tantalizing athletic testing numbers at the Aggies’ pro day put him on the fringes of the draft radar.

Watson was placed on Kansas City’s non-football injury list at the start of training camp for undisclosed reasons. After being activated on July 27, he appeared in all three of the team’s preseason games and caught a single pass for four yards before being waived at the final roster deadline. Watson was on the Chiefs’ practice squad for the entire season.

Presumably, the tight end will get another look over the 2026 offseason and training camp — though the Chiefs should be expected to make multiple higher-profile moves at the position.

Also on Monday, practice squad contracts officially expired for non-playoff teams. The Chiefs have thus far not signed guard Nick Brocker, wide receiver Jason Brownlee, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, defensive end Malik Herring, fullback Carson Steele and defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu for 2026.

After ending the season on Kansas City’s practice squad, these players are now free agents and eligible to sign with any team, including those remaining in playoff contention.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...tre-watson-as-practice-squad-contracts-expire
 
4 defensive stats that tell the story of the Chiefs’ 2025 season

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As we review the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season, four statistics help explain how the defense performed. Each number highlights a specific issue — and the broader takeaway that followed.

1. Chiefs earned sacks on 6% of third-and-longs​


Despite generating pressure on 51% of third downs that required seven or more yards, the Chiefs’ defense recorded sacks on just 6% of third-and-long pass attempts. That figure ranked 29th in the NFL, per NFL Pro.

The inability to finish on critical downs proved costly in losses to the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys, and it remained an issue throughout the season. Kansas City finished with 35 sacks, tied for the seventh-fewest in the league, while the defense allowed conversions on 44% of third downs, ranking 29th overall.

Even with aggressive blitzing — the Chiefs sent more than four pass rushers at the third-highest rate in the NFL — the pressure rarely disrupted quarterbacks. The defense lacked a consistent, difference-making blitzer in the secondary, a role previously filled by former safety Justin Reid.

2. Chiefs allowed 4 yards per rush on first down​


Kansas City’s run defense delivered when it mattered most in 2025, particularly at the start of drives. On first down, the Chiefs allowed just four yards per rush, the sixth-lowest mark in the NFL.

That early-down success helped keep games competitive. In a 23-20 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City held running back Jonathan Taylor to 58 rushing yards by consistently stacking the box. In a win over the Detroit Lions, the Chiefs limited Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to 89 combined rushing yards, repeatedly forcing second-and-long situations.

While Kansas City did not always close out drives after winning first down, stopping the run provided a stable foundation for a defense that kept many games within reach.

3. Chiefs allowed 3.7 yards of separation per target​


NFL Pro measures the distance between a receiver and the nearest defender at the moment of the catch or incompletion. The Chiefs finished with the seventh-highest average separation allowed per target at 3.7 yards.

Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy approach naturally increases exposure in coverage, but Kansas City struggled to disrupt passing games regardless of scheme. Linebackers frequently failed to tighten throwing lanes over the middle, and the safety group covered less ground than in previous seasons.

A more consistent pass rush would help cover those issues, but improved anticipation and instincts in the secondary remain necessary to limit space downfield.

4. Chiefs totaled the second-fewest missed tackles in the NFL​


Only the New England Patriots (71) recorded fewer missed tackles than the Chiefs (75) in 2025. For context, the Cincinnati Bengals led the league with 170 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Reference.

Kansas City consistently limited yards after contact, an important trait for any defense. However, reducing the need for tackles altogether proved just as important. The Chiefs forced only 14 takeaways, the fourth-fewest in the NFL, and broke up the seventh-fewest passes in the league.

Reliable tackling remained a clear positive, but without more disruption and takeaways, the defense fell short of elite status.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...that-tell-the-story-of-the-chiefs-2025-season
 
Chiefs’ Andy Reid moves to top of NFL’s seniority list: Good or bad?

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After 19 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike Tomlin decided to step down after losing his seventh straight playoff game — a 30-6 beatdown at the hands of the Houston Texans. That came after the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh following his 26-24 Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh, ending his 18th season at Baltimore’s helm.

With those changes, there is now just one NFL head coach who has been with his team for at least 10 seasons: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who has served as the team’s head coach since the 2013 season.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Reid has been there four years longer than Sean McDermott, Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, who took their jobs with the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in 2017. Two other coaches — the Cincinnati Bengals’ Zac Taylor and the Green Bay Packers’ Matt LeFleur — debuted in 2019.

Reid led the Chiefs to the NFL championship game in five out of the six seasons from 2019 through 2024 — winning the title game three times — but even that wasn’t enough for some fans, who found themselves annoyed at the team’s 6-11 finish.

Still, Reid’s job seems pretty safe. Or is it?

That’s what we’re about to find out in Kansas City.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ves-to-top-of-nfls-seniority-list-good-or-bad
 
USA Today mock draft has Chiefs drafting game-changing defender

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There are over three months until the 2026 NFL Draft, but with the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason underway, it’s time to consider what draft prospects the Chiefs could select with the ninth overall pick.

On Wednesday, USA Today published a mock draft with the Chiefs predicted to select the top safety in the 2026 NFL Draft.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Chiefs have maximized plenty of talent on defense but Downs would be a different story. The Ohio State safety is a force multiplier who can do anything you’d want from the position thanks to his impressive football IQ. It’s not a big-name position but could make this Chiefs secondary frightening.

My takeaway


The selection of Downs would be an exciting one, despite the unique position. When safeties are drafted towards the top of the draft, it usually works out well. Here are the most recent examples:


Of course, Chiefs Kingdom was the beneficiary of one of the two highest-drafted safeties in NFL history. In 2010, Kansas City drafted Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the fifth overall pick — and a three-time All-Pro career followed.

The hype is building around Downs to become the next great NFL safety. With the Chiefs, he would follow in the footsteps of former safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s Queen piece on his chessboard of pass defense.

In this scenario, the top two wide receivers in the draft, along with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, were drafted before the ninth pick. Kansas City does pass up on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey for Downs, but the overall impact a game-changing safety could have on the defense may be worth it.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...takes-safety-caleb-downs-usa-today-mock-draft
 
3 lessons from the Wild Card round from which the Chiefs could learn

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For the first time since 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t make the playoffs and watched Wild Card weekend from home just like the rest of us. Hopefully, there are lessons to learn from this year’s postseason that the Chiefs can apply to their in-house philosophies.

Here are three takeaways I had from the first round of the NFL postseason
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1. The importance of heavier personnel on offense​


Over the last few years, heavier personnel for NFL offenses has been a trend. The best units have found more personnel packages to utilize multiple tight ends or physical running backs to counter defenses built on pass coverage.

The Chicago Bears drafted tight ends Colston Loveland 10th overall in last year’s draft. The offense also features tight ends Durham Smythe and Cole Kmet. Loveland is talented enough to split wide and play receiver, while Smythe and Kmet can play in-line and block. They are key players to Chicago’s elite run game.

The Los Angeles Rams have four viable tight ends: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Colby Parkenson and Terrance Ferguson. To help the running game, head coach Sean McVay has introduced more multi-tight end sets. With wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, the Rams always have a viable No. 1 receiver on the field while the tight ends block or get open downfield from play action.

The San Francisco 49ers lost tight end George Kittle this weekend, but the team has mastered the blend of run and pass out of 21 personnel (two running backs, one tight end) with Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

The Buffalo Bills finally unlocked the tight ends this year, with Dalton Kincaid breaking out and rookie Jackson Hawes being an impactful blocker immediately. Buffalo deserves credit for adjusting to using the tight ends with a lack of wide receiver talent.

Kansas City needs to get bigger on offense — and starting at tight end makes the most sense. To force teams into base defense and exploit them through the passing game, the team needs a stronger tight end room.

2. The advantage of size and strength at receiver


Size at the wide receiver position is important in playoff games. Unless you have a unicorn like former Chiefs’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill — who can excel at the catch point despite his height — you need receivers that can win in traffic.

That ability gives the quarterback a margin for error when throwing; a bigger body can be trusted more to secure an inaccurate throw.

Los Angeles has the best example of this with Nacua and Adams; both are physical receivers who are coordinated when going up for a pass. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings — an option for the Chiefs in free agency this spring — was huge in the 49ers’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Carolina Panthers almost pulled off the upset over the Rams; their two receivers Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan were a part of that. The duo was able to muscle Los Angeles’ small cornerbacks and come back to the ball for most of the offense’s explosive plays.

This doesn’t mean the Chiefs need 6-foot-5, 230-pound pass-catchers, but the team’s receivers do need to be able to catch through contact.

On the flip side, the Chargers were an example of lacking physical receivers. Los Angeles’ offensive line, play-calling and the play of quarterback Justin Herbert were shaky — but the offense was also missing that ball-winning receiver.

The New England Patriots played tight, aggressive man coverage and basically shut down the Chargers’ downfield passing. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston was unable to win in traffic despite his bigger build, and veteran Keenan Allen is past his prime in creating separation. Ladd McConkey is an awesome receiver, but his lack of size showed in the 16-3 loss.

3. Depth is just as important as an ace pass rusher​


Playoff teams have found a counter to the lack of an ace pass rusher. Traditionally, Super Bowl teams had the star pass rusher, then decent options around him. Here’s the problem: it’s hard to acquire that player because it typically requires premium capital.

To overcome that, teams are employing three or four No. 2 pass rushers. The Rams are an example: the defense does not have a superstar pass rusher, but defensive linemen Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Byron Young and Kobie Turner are all impactful on passing downs. Each can make a disruptive play on their own.

The Chargers are similar: outside linebackers Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipolotu, and Odafe Oweh were key to a low-scoring effort in New England. Mack crushes the pocket, Oweh is the speed rusher and Tuipolotu fills in the gaps.

The Patriots make up for not having a No. 1 pass rusher with defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, then edge rusher Harold Landry on the outside.

The Houston Texans are not an example of this theme with two superstars on the edge — Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson — but the NFL’s top defense gets contributions from its depth. Defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai can penetrate the line of scrimmage themselves.

One reason teams succeed without a No. 1 pass rusher is the rise of scheming pressures and disguising intentions. Now, more slants and stunts mitigate having top-tier rushers. The coordinators who dial that up effectively give defenses a schematic advantage even if the group is outmanned by talent.

Of course, the superstar makes a world of difference, exemplified by the Green Bay Packers without the injured All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons. If that’s impossible, then building the defensive line with as many capable bodies as possible is the way to go.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...essons-from-wild-card-round-chiefs-learn-from
 
Chiefs fire second offensive assistant coach of the offseason

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The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to clarify whether or not offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will move on from Kansas City, but the offensive coaching staff will be different in 2026.

There are four changes to the Chiefs coaching staff so far, per sources:

They have fired RBs coach Todd Pinkston and WRs coach Connor Embree.

Louie Addazio chose to move on for the OL job at UNLV. Alex Whittingham has joined the Michigan staff.

Could be more after the carousel…

— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 15, 2026

On Thursday, Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reported the Chiefs have fired running backs coach Todd Pinkston and wide receivers Connor Embree. The latter’s dismissal was reported last week, but now McDowell has confirmed the expulsion of both assistant coaches.

The 2025 season was Pinkston’s third as the running backs coach in Kansas City, joining the staff when Nagy assumed the offensive coordinator role in 2023. The former NFL wide receiver coached a backfield that mainly consisted of running backs Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Kareem Hunt over three years.

In Pinkston’s first season, Pacheco rushed for 935 yards, but no Chiefs player rushed for over 750 yards in the two years since.

Pinkston was hired as an assistant after working with head coach Andy Reid through a coaching internship in 2022. He had experience as the wide receivers coach at Austin Peay State University before becoming the associate head coach at Stockbridge High School in Georgia.

His 11-year career as an NFL wide receiver — and his experience coaching that position at lower levels — did not translate to coaching the running backs impactfully in Kansas City over three years.

Embree coached the position Pinkston played, while Pinkston coached the position Embree was seemingly more familiar with. Despite playing quarterback his senior year at Blue Valley West High School, Embree was a two-star running back recruit, according to 247sports. He was listed as a running back during his playing days at the University of Kansas.

It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs’ offensive coaching staff shapes up from here — and if the new hires are more traditional fits in each position room.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...cond-offensive-assistant-coach-this-offseason
 
Chiefs News 1/16: Chiefs shouldn’t worry over coaching changes

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The latest​


3 Reasons Chiefs Shouldn’t Worry About Losing OC Matt Nagy | Sports Illustrated

2. Andy Reid is still here

Nagy isn’t even the real offensive architect in Kansas City. Andy Reid calls the plays on that side of the ball, and he’s heavily involved in constructing the scheme anyway. Getting some new blood in could actually breathe life back into an offense that’s been on life support for years, despite employing the NFL’s No. 1 quarterback and a host of viable weapons. If the Chiefs can find a younger, or at least more contemporary, offensive mind to replace Nagy, they would be better off.

NFL running back rankings, 1-64: How does every starting RB from the 2025 season stack up? | NFL.com

33. Kareem Hunt – Kansas City Chiefs, Year 9
2025 stats:
17 games | 163 att | 611 rush yds | 3.7 ypc | 8 rush TDs | 18 rec | 143 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 1 fumble lost

The Chiefs didn’t have much of a run game in 2025 as the team shuffled through backs frequently. An injury to Isiah Pacheco led to Hunt gaining a bigger role, and he ended up leading the team in carries, rush yards and rush TDs. Hunt is a free agent and so is Pacheco. This backfield needs a reset.

47. Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City Chiefs, Year 4
2025 stats:
13 games | 118 att | 462 rush yds | 3.9 ypc | 1 rush TD | 19 rec | 101 rec yds | 1 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost

A knee injury sidelined Pacheco in late October and he never was able to really get going when he returned nearly a month later. It was a forgettable season for the fourth-year pro, who failed to rush for more than 60 yards in any game. The soon-to-be free agent could be headed elsewhere.

Ex-Chiefs WR Justyn Ross Now on Potential Path Back to NFL | KC Kingdom

Justyn Ross Drafted by Stallions 6 Months After Chiefs Release

Ross now has an opportunity not only to play meaningful snaps but to breathe life back into his NFL career. There are teams badly in need of receiver depth that will be willing to take a chance on Ross if he can put together a consistent resume in the UFL. He showed promise with 158 catches for 2,379 yards and 20 touchdowns in 39 collegiate games, and if he’s still capable of being that player, maybe the Stallions can drag it out of him.

Another ex-Chief and Clemson product followed the same UFL path to give himself a second chance. After four years with Kansas City and another with the Seattle Seahawks, Cornell Powell spent parts of 2025 with the DC Defenders. The Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers ended up bringing him in during August and November, respectively, and while those runs didn’t last long, they may not have happened at all if it weren’t for the UFL.

Around the NFL


John Harbaugh hired in a New York minute: Giants score an ‘A’ for moving fast in new head coach pursuit | CBS Sports

CBS Sports HQ NFL analyst Danny Kanell echoed many of those sentiments.

“I will give it an ‘A+’,” Kanell said. “This was the only coach that would come in and have us talking about this Giants organization as potentially a playoff team. And I don’t think it’ll only be me. With the young nucleus of talent that the Giants have on this roster, with the track record of success in building a winning culture, with the coordinator that he’s most likely going to bring in with him, I think this is a home run hire for the Giants.”

You’re not going to find very many people out there who don’t think this hiring is one of the better hirings of the cycle, no matter who lands the other available jobs. Harbaugh was sought after for a reason, and the Giants were able to land him before anyone else had a chance. Even if it doesn’t work out, the process that led here was likely solid, even if it seemed somewhat predetermined that the Giants would zero in on Harbaugh if he ever became available.

Seahawks-49ers final injury report: Sam Darnold suddenly questionable to play | Field Gulls

Yes, out of nowhere there is some doubt that Darnold will be able to play this weekend. Darnold hurt his left oblique during practice, and now he’s questionable. Don’t totally fret, for Darnold believes that he’s much more likely than not to be out there.

Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak confirmed that backup Drew Lock took some first-team reps with Darnold limited. Lock’s first Seahawks start, coincidentally, came against the 49ers back in 2023. Any injury notes will be addressed by head coach Mike Macdonald on Friday.

Howie Roseman downplays A.J. Brown trade talk, says Eagles WR is ‘great player’ | ESPN

“It is hard to find great players in the NFL, and A.J. is a great player,” Roseman said Thursday during his end-of-season news conference with coach Nick Sirianni.

“I think from my perspective, that’s what we’re going out and looking for when we go out here in free agency, in the draft, just trying to find great players who love football, and he’s that guy.”

Brown finished with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025 — the fourth time he has eclipsed 1,000 yards in as many seasons since coming to Philadelphia.

Brown also showed his frustration at various points over the last couple of seasons, however, including cryptic social media posts in the early part of this season. He declined to speak to the media in the latter stages of the year, coinciding with his on-field meeting with CEO Jeffrey Lurie in mid-November when he promised he would stop complaining publicly.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride


The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is working to be ready for Week 1

The league’s biggest star confirmed reports that his rehab is taking place exclusively in Kansas City with familiar team trainer Julie Frymyer. While he is not ready to definitively announce his return date, Mahomes is working to be ready to start the 2026 season.

He also hopes to participate in the spring’s organized-team-activities (OTAs) in some fashion while taking on a bigger workload at training camp.

“Obviously,” he said, “I think [in] the long-term, I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctor said that I could be, but I can’t predict what’s going to happen throughout the process. But that’s my goal, and so I’ll try to prepare myself to be ready to play in that Week 1 and have no restrictions. You want to be out there healthy and giving us the best chance to win. So, obviously, I’ll hopefully be able to do some stuff in OTAs and get to training camp and hopefully be able to do a lot there.”

Chiefs fire second offensive assistant coach of the offseason

Pinkston was hired as an assistant after working with head coach Andy Reid through a coaching internship in 2022. He had experience as the wide receivers coach at Austin Peay State University before becoming the associate head coach at Stockbridge High School in Georgia.

His 11-year career as an NFL wide receiver — and his experience coaching that position at lower levels — did not translate to coaching the running backs impactfully in Kansas City over three years.

Embree coached the position Pinkston played, while Pinkston coached the position Embree was seemingly more familiar with. Despite playing quarterback his senior year at Blue Valley West High School, Embree was a two-star running back recruit, according to 247sports. He was listed as a running back during his playing days at the University of Kansas.

Social media to make you think

Since we putting in request I want to go home 😎 https://t.co/2708WBsrUE

— Ty Hill (@cheetah) January 15, 2026

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...-16-fans-shouldnt-worry-over-coaching-changes
 
Tiering the Chiefs’ roster ahead of offseason movement

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Before the Kansas City Chiefs can decide what players to acquire in free agency or the draft this offseason, it’s important to identify the pillars of the team and their statuses for the short and long term. The current strengths and weaknesses of the roster will guide the Chiefs’ choices.

To do this, I broke down the 51 current rostered players for 2026 and tiered them based on their status with Kansas City moving forward. Enjoy!

Tier 1: Locked-in stars


Players: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, right guard Trey Smith, center Creed Humphrey, left tackle Josh Simmons and defensive tackle Chris Jones

The five players I listed above are, in my opinion, the five best players on the team and should factor into the Chiefs’ plans for the next three years at least. Mahomes, Smith, and Humphrey are all firmly in their primes on long-term deals.

Simmons was not always on the field in 2025, but his long-term projection is exciting. He played like a top-10 left tackle as a rookie and has All-Pro upside. As long as he avoids injuries, he’ll be a star for the next decade.

There will be some disagreement about Jones’s inclusion here. There is a possibility the Chiefs could look into trading Jones. The Chiefs would save around $15 million in cap space by trading him.

However, Jones is still a top-5 defensive tackle capable of destroying offenses when it matters most. Jones had a slow start to the year, but after the bye week, he was playing fantastic football. The potential compensation for Jones would likely not be enough to outweigh what he brings to Kansas City’s defense. The Chiefs’ pass rush could not afford such a loss.

Tier 2: High-end starters for the foreseeable future


Players: linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive end George Karlaftis, left guard Kingsley Suamataia and kicker Harrison Butker

As important cogs to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s machine of a defense, Bolton and Karlaftis signed contracts with the team last offseason. Bolton is the team’s signal caller, and Karlaftis is a dependable, versatile player up front.

The surprising inclusion is Suamataia, but his 2025 play warranted it. Over the course of the season, he continued to improve, smoothly transitioning from tackle to guard by utilizing his unique physical traits. He also made significant improvements to his technique compared to his rookie season.

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Tier 3: Young players with contract decisions


Players: Cornerback Trent McDuffie and wide receiver Rashee Rice

McDuffie could have been extended and put into Tier 1, but Kansas City didn’t reach an agreement with the All-Pro cornerback last offseason. He will be on the fifth-year option in 2026, which means the Chiefs could trade him and have no dead money. If this team decides it needs more draft capital, a potential trade of McDuffie is the easiest path to getting that. The decisions surrounding him could be the first domino to fall this offseason.

Rice is complicated. In my opinion, there is no circumstance where the Chiefs should extend him rather than making him prove himself further. Considering how the last two years have gone, Rice is unlikely to be valued in a potential trade, so we will just see how it goes in 2026.

Tier 4: Rookie-deal players who haven’t emerged yet


Players: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy, cornerback Nohl Williams, defensive end Ashton Gillotte, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, safety Jaden Hicks and safety Chamarri Conner

Worthy being on this list after his rookie year is disappointing, but this is the level his career is currently at. The 2025 season was a poor one for Worthy. He battled through injuries, but he struggled to make plays by beating man coverage. He aligned more on the outside once Rice came back, and it was ineffective. For Worthy to reach his ceiling, his role needs to change.

To bring youth and depth to the defense, the Chiefs drafted Gillotte, Norman-Lott, and Williams on Day 2 last year. Williams looks the most promising of the three and will probably start next year. Gillotte and Norman-Lott have not proven enough to cement a role in 2026.

Hicks and Conner will likely start next year, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Chiefs brought in different safeties this spring.

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Tier 5: Veteran players who might not be back


Players: Right tackle Jawaan Taylor, tight end Noah Gray, linebacker Drue Tranquill, swing tackle Jaylon Moore, defensive end Mike Danna and cornerback Kristian Fulton

The easiest decision here is Taylor, who absolutely should not play on a $27 million cap hit. However, he could return on a restructured deal that lowers his cap hit.

The decision on Moore will depend on what the Chiefs do with Taylor. My best guess: Moore is the starting right tackle for training camp, and Kansas City addresses right tackle in the draft for depth.

Gray saves around $4 million by cutting him, but if tight end Travis Kelce retires, it would further justify retaining Gray. Cutting Tranquill saves $6 million, but if linebacker Leo Chenal leaves, he has a strong chance at avoiding a release. It felt like Fulton secured a 2026 roster spot with a strong finish to 2025, but it’s worth noting the Chiefs would save $5 million by cutting him.

Tier 6: Fighting for a 2026 roster spot


This tier is for everyone else on the roster who will have to fight for spots. Here is the breakdown by position:

  • Tackle: Esa Pole, Wanya Morris, Mike Waletzko, Chu Grodrick
  • Interior offensive linemen: C.J. Hanson, Hunter Nourzad, Ethan Driskell
  • Tight ends: Jared Wiley, Jake Briningstool, Tre Watson
  • Running backs: Brashard Smith, ShunDerrick Powell
  • Wide receiver: Jalen Royals, Jimmy Holiday, Andrew Armstrong
  • Quarterback: Chris Oludakon
  • Defensive line: Zacch Pickens, Ethan Downs, Marcus Harris, Tyreke Smith
  • Linebacker: Jeffrey Bassa, Cooper McDonald, Brandon George, Kam Arnold
  • Defensive Back: Chris Rolland-Wallace, Kevin Knowles, Melvin Smith Jr.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...192236/tiering-chiefs-roster-before-offseason
 
In Divisional Round’s ‘Reacts’ poll, Chiefs’ fans are rooting for Bills

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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged-in Kansas City Chiefs fans. You can see all of the recent survey results here.

And be sure to check out
FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.


Which AFC team are Chiefs fans rooting for?


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It’s no surprise that Chiefs Kingdom will be on the side of Bills Mafia on Saturday, when the Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills to kick off the weekend of NFL Divisional Round matchups.

However, most of the Chiefs fans polled are rooting for the Bills to win the Lamar Hunt trophy and represent the AFC in Super Bowl LX. The Houston Texans finished in a close second ahead of a battle with the No. 2 seed New England Patriots on Sunday.


What running backs should the Chiefs be eyeing?


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Among the four unrestricted free agents listed, running back Breece Hall was the overwhelming pick for Chiefs fans’ wish list on the open market. The polled fans have good taste, because Hall is projected to be the highest-paid player of this group as well.



Click here to see other recent survey results.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/nfl-...ional-round-results-chiefs-fans-rooting-bills
 
Chiefs News 1/17: Safety Caleb Downs is ‘not a great fit’ for Chiefs

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The latest​


Chiefs mock draft reaction: Caleb Downs a ‘difference-maker’ — but not a great fit | The Athletic

General manager Brett Veach, in other words, seems to have completely bought into the notion of surplus value in the draft, correctly realizing that the upside of hitting on an early-round player at a premium position pays much greater dividends based on draft picks’ lower salary structure.

Per Spotrac, this year’s No. 9 selection is expected to make $5.6 million next season, with that number increasing to $9.8 million by Year 4.

Getting an above-average safety at $9.8 million is … fine. OverTheCap lists 21 safeties as getting more than that amount on their current deals.

But what if that $9.8 million fourth-year contract was being used for an above-average receiver? Or defensive lineman?

That would be more valuable, given the market and the higher salaries those guys command in free agency.

NFL free agency: Eight QBs who must be re-signed during the 2026 offseason | NFL.com

Gardner Minshew
Kansas City Chiefs – Age 29


It seems unlikely Patrick Mahomes will be able to return from his December ACL injury in time to start Week 1 next September. Chris Oladokun failed to capitalize on his opportunity to claim a backup spot on the Chiefs’ depth chart entering 2026. Minshew suffered a season-ending knee injury of his own, but it wasn’t an ACL tear. He should be ready to play sooner than Mahomes, bringing veteran backup experience to a Kansas City team that suddenly needs it more than ever. If the Chiefs receive optimistic news on Mahomes’ timetable for return, they might only temporarily need a steady hand to keep the offense afloat to start the season. Minshew proved his worth as an injury replacement in 2023, when he filled in for Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis and kept the Colts in postseason contention.

While pondering future, John Harbaugh ‘really leaned’ on Chiefs coach Andy Reid | Kansas City Star

The two friends apparently spoke frequently, even when Harbaugh’s Ravens were still alive for the AFC North Division title.

“Andy Reid was part of this, right?” Russini said on the podcast. “So John really leaned on Andy Reid during this process, even before (Ravens owner) Steve Bisciotti fired John Harbaugh, John had reached out to Andy to have some conversations about, ‘Should I step down’ if he wasn’t going to get fired? ‘What does next look like?’

“One, Andy Reid has always been a really good friend to John Harbaugh over the years, but of course, we all know what Andy did, which was, of course, leave Philadelphia despite a lot of success, and take his talents to Kansas City, where he had ultimate success and continues to.”

Around the NFL


Texans WR Collins ruled out vs. Patriots with concussion | ESPN

Collins suffered the injury when he fell face-first after trying to catch a pass in the Texans’ 30-6 wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. The impact of the fall caused Collins to immediately put both hands to his face.

Houston’s medical staff took Collins to the tent. It didn’t take long before the three-time 1,000-yard receiver was carted to the locker room.

Collins has been Houston’s unquestioned No. 1 playmaker, totaling 71 catches for 1,117 yards and 6 touchdowns on the season.

With Rams-Bears’ frigid forecast, what are the coldest playoff games in NFL history? | The Athletic

4. Jan. 24, 2024, Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium
Temperature: minus-4 degrees with wind chill of minus-27

Another warm-weather team got caught with a brutal draw. Miami had to manage painful conditions while facing Patrick Mahomes and the defending champs. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled in uncharted territory, completing 51 percent of his passes and finishing with a 63.9 passer rating. Meanwhile, Mahomes shrugged off a cracked helmet, throwing for 262 yards and rushing for 41 in a 26-7 win.

NFL announces list of 63 underclassmen forgoing eligibility, declaring for 2026 Draft | On3

In addition, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson told On3’s Chris Low this week he turned down lucrative NIL offers to declare for the NFL Draft. He is among the group of prospects who completed the degree requirements and be eligible for the draft.

Miami and Indiana players will be eligible to officially declare following Monday’s national championship, with a Jan. 23 deadline. In the meantime, here are the 63 underclassmen who will wait to hear their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft. For comparison, 70 underclassmen declared ahead of the deadline for the 2025 draft.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride


The most important words Patrick Mahomes said about the Chiefs’ offense

“Accountable”

“I want to get back to that winning culture of being accountable to each other and going out there and playing great football every single day, practice or game,” Mahomes pointed out.

One candidate for the offensive coordinator position comes to mind when seeking accountability: Kansas City’s former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is currently in his first season as the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears.

Whether or not Bieniemy is the answer, Mahomes seeks that no-sugar-coating trait in a coach. Nagy seemed to have a more friendly approach, and the overly optimistic messaging may have gotten stale.

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Kliff 👨🏻‍🍳🔥

— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) January 16, 2026

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...495/1-17-caleb-downs-not-great-fit-for-chiefs
 
The most important words Patrick Mahomes said about the Chiefs’ offense

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For the first time since December 10th, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed Chiefs Kingdom by answering questions from local media. On a Zoom call Thursday afternoon, the two-time MVP talked about his recovery from the devastating knee injury; he also weighed in on the potential changes to Kansas City’s offensive coaching staff.

As offensive coordinator Matt Nagy seeks a head-coaching gig, the Chiefs have already fired two assistant coaches: wide receivers coach Connor Embree and running backs coach Todd Pinkston. When asked about the potential departure of Nagy, Mahomes wished him well.

“I love coach Nagy,” Mahomes said. “He has done a lot of great things in my career to help me become the quarterback I am. I know that he’s looking to take that step and get back to the head coaching spot. I hope he gets another opportunity to do that. He’s a great man, a great person… he gave me a lot of ideas to be better as a person, as a quarterback, so I’m hoping the best for him as he goes through this head coaching process and gets another opportunity to go out there and lead an organization.”

A change in the offensive leadership is on the horizon. That reality put significance on listening to Mahomes as he shared insight on what went wrong during the 2025 season and what he is looking for in a new offensive coordinator. Here were some of the most important words he used:

“Consistent”​


“I think, offensively, we weren’t consistent enough throughout games,” Mahomes said. “We had stretches in games where we played good, we had stretches in the season where we played really good, but we have to be better, and that starts with me, and it has to feed throughout the entire offense.”

The quarterback echoed a theme that Nagy pointed to when he reflected on 2025 a few weeks ago: the offense was unable to maintain rhythm from drive to drive or week to week. It was certainly the case through the first nine games, but after the bye week, there were fewer examples of the highs and many more lows during the 1-7 stretch to finish the schedule.

There were impactful injuries that factored into the unit’s inconsistency, but regardless, it was uncharacteristic of a team led by head coach Andy Reid. This past season featured the first Chiefs team under Reid without a five-game win streak. The inability of Mahomes and the offense to find a flow was one of the biggest reasons.

“Conscious” & “Counteract”​


“You have to dive deep into that scheme evaluation and see what teams are seeing against us,” Mahomes acknowledged. “The one part about having so much success is teams watch a lot of film on you… You saw that this year: teams were very conscious of the plays that we’ve hit for a long time. We have to find ways to counteract that and go at teams, be able to utilize that and make more explosive plays.“

To put it another way, Kansas City’s play-calling was predictable and struggled to neutralize the opponent’s advantage of familiarity. This stood out the most against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. It felt like Buffalo was a step ahead of the Chiefs for most plays in the 28-21 loss.

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Between Weeks 11 and 14, Kansas City averaged 14 points per game over three crucial battles with eventual AFC playoff teams: the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers. The familiar foes were able to shut down the Chiefs’ offense when needed, especially on third down. In 2025, the Chiefs ranked 22nd in third-down conversion rate after placing in the top-6 each of the previous two seasons.

It all points to the scheme and its play-calling lacking the innovation required to stay ahead of the curve in the modern NFL. That’s something Mahomes is looking for in a new offensive coordinator. When asked directly about that, he wasn’t shy about listing out his desires for the next coach.

“New Ideas”


“For me, I just want someone that loves football,” Mahomes began. “That cares about football, that wants to give everything they can to win, to hold people accountable and to bring new ideas every single day. I think that’s something that we have to continue to do if you want to continue to be great in this league… you have to continue to evolve and get better and better. That’s something we’ll try to do here.“

Kansas City’s quarterback is clearly ready for more innovation within the Chiefs’ scheme. However, he may value the character of the coach just as much.

“Accountable”


“I want to get back to that winning culture of being accountable to each other and going out there and playing great football every single day, practice or game,” Mahomes pointed out.

One candidate for the offensive coordinator position comes to mind when seeking accountability: Kansas City’s former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is currently in his first season as the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears.

Whether or not Bieniemy is the answer, Mahomes seeks that no-sugar-coating trait in a coach. Nagy seemed to have a more friendly approach, and the overly optimistic messaging may have gotten stale.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...t-important-words-mahomes-said-chiefs-offense
 
The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is working to be ready for Week 1

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On Thursday, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke with local media for the first time since last month’s season-ending ACL tear.

The league’s biggest star confirmed reports that his rehab is taking place exclusively in Kansas City with familiar team trainer Julie Frymyer. While he is not ready to definitively announce his return date, Mahomes is working to be ready to start the 2026 season.

He also hopes to participate in the spring’s organized-team-activities (OTAs) in some fashion while taking on a bigger workload at training camp.

“Obviously,” he said, “I think [in] the long-term, I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctor said that I could be, but I can’t predict what’s going to happen throughout the process. But that’s my goal, and so I’ll try to prepare myself to be ready to play in that Week 1 and have no restrictions. You want to be out there healthy and giving us the best chance to win. So, obviously, I’ll hopefully be able to do some stuff in OTAs and get to training camp and hopefully be able to do a lot there.”

Conflicting analysis frequently surrounds major injuries regarding when the extent of an injury is truly known. While the eyes of the sports world anxiously watched Mahomes limp into the Chiefs’ locker room on December 14, the quarterback actually held out hope of returning to finish the game.

“I knew something had happened,” he recalled. “But once I was able to walk a little bit, I thought I might have a chance to kind of get back into the game. You go into the tent, they do the test, and they want to take you back to the locker room. So you don’t know for sure and everything like that. But when I was ready to move, I asked one of the doctors if I could get a brace and just finish the game, but they wouldn’t let me.”

The reasons doctors would not simply give him a brace soon became clear.

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“It kind of sunk in once the game ended,” Mahomes explained, “and then I was able to get the results from the MRI and stuff like that. It’s hard, but at the same time, you’ve got to kind of flip the script fast knowing that it’s going to be a quick turnaround to get to this season. So now, it’s just been motivating trying to push myself — as much as they’ll let me push myself — to be ready for next year.”

Being ready for next year may involve dual spring responsibilities of injury rehab and studying whatever new wrinkles the Chiefs plan to add to the offense after missing the postseason for the first time in Mahomes’ career.

Even when he isn’t getting the physical practice reps, Mahomes believes he can improve as a player.

“I think more than anything,” he remarked, “it’s just being in there and being in the room, being on the field as much as they’ll let me. And then when I’m not able to, to take the reps, kind of getting those mental reps behind the play and seeing everything develop. The coaches will put me in the right position in order to do that. I’ll take it slow — but at the same time, I’ll push to be out there as much as I can be. We have a great plan in place as far as kind of where we want to get to, but we have to let it all play out and kind of take it a day at a time — which [has] been hard for me. But at the same time, it makes me get the best out of every single day.”

An offseason spent on site with the training staff will put a temporary pause on “Camp Mahomes” — the recent trend in which the quarterback invites his receivers to spend the first part of OTAs practicing with him in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They will likely begin the offseason program in-house under closer watch of head coach Andy Reid (and subject to more stringent rules about what activities are allowed in the initial phase).

Mahomes believes he and the group can still build the needed rapport, possibly while taking in some local baseball.

“I can’t speak for what Coach Reid exactly is going to do,” said Mahomes, “but I would expect us to kind of be here a little bit earlier just with me already being here. I’ve talked to some of the receivers already. I think that’s kind of the mindset that we have is we want to be in the building and getting back to it. The thing about when you lose and you don’t make the playoffs, you have a longer offseason than you usually have. So, I think guys are getting away right now, kind of getting their minds right, getting their bodies right — but guys are hungry to get back out there.

“It’s hard to watch these playoff games. So we’ll be in the building and you’ll try to build that camaraderie that way. It’s just doing stuff around Kansas City. Maybe [I’ll] take them to some Royals games — or whatever, wherever that is — and try to build those relationships with those guys.”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...atrick-mahomes-working-to-be-ready-for-week-1
 
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