The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 season with high expectations, but their campaign ultimately fell short, raising questions about the reasons behind their downfall and what adjustments must be made for 2026.

While injuries on both sides of the ball and the physical and mental toll of consecutive long playoff runs were obvious challenges, there may be one factor that has flown under the radar: quarterback protection and sack numbers.

Patrick Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP, was sacked 34 times over 14 games in 2025, ranking 12th most in the league. Only three more sacks would have marked the highest total of his career, a statistic that raises serious concern.

At first glance, 34 sacks might not seem catastrophic, but a deeper dive reveals the severity of the problem. Protection for Mahomes was inconsistent and often poor, forcing him into high-pressure situations on a weekly basis.

In seven games, Mahomes was sacked three or more times. That means in half of the Chiefs’ contests, the franchise quarterback spent large portions of the game scrambling or running for his life under relentless pressure.

Even more concerning, in seven of the final eight games of the season, Mahomes was sacked at least three times per contest. The offensive line struggles became increasingly acute as the season wore on.

Quarterback success relies heavily on the time allowed to read defenses and deliver accurate passes. With Mahomes consistently under duress, the Chiefs’ ability to execute their offense efficiently was clearly compromised.

Long-term, this exposes a glaring structural issue: protecting Mahomes has to be an urgent priority for the Chiefs’ front office this offseason. A quarterback of his caliber cannot perform at an MVP level while under constant pressure.

Offensive line failures also magnify the risk of injury. Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury, and repeated pressure and sacks may have contributed to his vulnerability. Keeping him upright is as much a health concern as it is a tactical necessity.

While Kansas City faces other pressing offseason needs, from wide receiver depth to defensive reinforcements, the offensive line must be addressed at the top of the priority list. Without improvement, the Chiefs could face another disappointing campaign.

Before his injury, Mahomes was on pace to become the fourth-most-sacked quarterback in the NFL. That stat alone underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action in both free agency and the draft.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and head coach Andy Reid will likely work closely with general manager Brett Veach to identify blockers capable of sustaining a consistent level of protection throughout the 2026 season.

Adding new talent is one piece of the puzzle, but developing existing players will also be crucial. Continuity along the offensive line, combined with coaching adjustments, could dramatically reduce the number of sacks and pressures Mahomes faces.

Film study reveals that in multiple instances, defensive linemen and blitzing linebackers exploited gaps in the offensive line, forcing Mahomes into hurried throws and limiting the effectiveness of his signature deep-ball connections.

The cumulative effect of this pressure was evident in late-season games, where drives stalled, turnovers increased, and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense became inconsistent at critical moments.

Improving the offensive line is not just about reducing sacks—it’s about sustaining drives, opening running lanes, and giving skill-position players more opportunities to make plays. Protecting Mahomes has ripple effects throughout the offense.

Kansas City may consider investing in veteran blockers who can immediately stabilize the line, but drafting young, athletic linemen with potential to develop behind seasoned veterans is likely to be part of the long-term strategy.

The Chiefs’ history shows that a well-protected Mahomes is a near-unstoppable force. Conversely, a quarterback under constant duress is far more prone to mistakes, injuries, and incomplete drives, as was all too clear in the 2025 season.

With the playoffs out of reach in 2025, the importance of keeping Mahomes upright becomes more urgent than ever. The team cannot afford another year where its franchise quarterback faces repeated pressure and a heightened risk of injury.

Looking ahead to 2026, Kansas City’s front office must prioritize offensive line improvement as a cornerstone of offseason strategy. Without meaningful upgrades, the team’s championship aspirations may remain just out of reach.

Mahomes’ performance under duress in 2025 should serve as a cautionary tale. A high-powered offense requires a high-quality foundation, and right now, the offensive line is the most glaring weak link in Kansas City’s championship formula.

Ultimately, the message is clear: protecting Patrick Mahomes is non-negotiable. Any combination of free-agent acquisitions, draft investments, and internal development must aim to reduce sacks, preserve health, and give the team its best shot at returning to playoff contention.

For the Chiefs, offensive line improvement is not optional—it is a strategic imperative. Fixing the front five could mean the difference between another year of frustration and a serious run at a Super Bowl with a healthy, mobile, and unstoppable Patrick Mahomes.