For the first time since the 2014 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves on the outside looking in, forced to watch the postseason from home after a disappointing and uncharacteristic collapse throughout the 2025 campaign.

A final record of 6–11 officially ended Kansas City’s playoff streak, marking a stunning fall for a franchise that had become synonymous with deep January runs, AFC dominance, and annual Super Bowl contention over the past decade.

What made this season particularly alarming was not just the losses themselves, but the unmistakable signs of systemic breakdown across the roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball that once terrified defensive coordinators league-wide.

Kansas City’s offense struggled mightily throughout the 2025 season, and those issues were evident long before superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a devastating torn ACL that derailed any remaining postseason hopes.

Statistically, the Chiefs finished just 20th in the NFL in yards per game, a shocking drop for a team that routinely ranked near the top in explosive plays, passing efficiency, and overall offensive output during the Mahomes era.

Even more concerning was the lack of scoring consistency, as Kansas City managed only 38 total touchdowns across the entire season, a number more fitting of a rebuilding franchise than a former perennial contender.

While Mahomes’ injury undoubtedly played a role, the underlying issues extended far deeper, most notably a severe lack of dependable pass-catching options capable of consistently winning matchups or serving as reliable safety valves.

Throughout the season, Mahomes frequently appeared forced to hold the ball longer than usual, hesitate on reads, or attempt low-percentage throws due to receivers failing to separate or execute routes with precision.

The absence of a consistent secondary target became glaring, especially as Travis Kelce began showing signs of wear, age, and diminished snap counts while no clear successor emerged to alleviate his workload.

Kansas City’s wide receiver room rotated frequently, but none managed to establish themselves as a trusted go-to option, leaving the offense predictable and increasingly easy for opposing defenses to neutralize.

With the offseason approaching, league insiders widely believe the Chiefs must aggressively address their offensive personnel, and one potential solution may come via an unexpected trade with the reigning AFC North champions.

The Kansas City Chiefs should seriously consider trading for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, a talented but underutilized player who may be ready for a fresh start elsewhere.

Freiermuth endured a frustrating and statistically disappointing season in Pittsburgh, catching only 41 passes, his lowest total in any season in which he played a full 16 or 17-game schedule.

Despite being one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league, Freiermuth was on the field for just 51 percent of offensive snaps, raising questions about his role, usage, and standing within the Steelers’ offensive hierarchy.

Those frustrations came to a head during locker room cleanout day, when Freiermuth openly acknowledged his disappointment with how the coaching staff deployed him throughout the season.

“I would say that I am disappointed with the lack of opportunities I was given,” Freiermuth said, according to Chris Adamski, offering rare public insight into growing internal dissatisfaction.

To his credit, Freiermuth emphasized professionalism and accountability, stressing that he resisted making the situation about himself and instead focused on maintaining a team-first mentality despite personal frustrations.

“At the end of the day, I’m a team player,” he added, underscoring his belief that he could have contributed more meaningfully in key situations to help Pittsburgh win games.

Such comments inevitably fueled speculation around Freiermuth’s future, particularly as Pittsburgh prepares for another offseason filled with uncertainty and organizational transition.

The Steelers are expected to open Week 1 with yet another new starting quarterback, which would mark their sixth consecutive season beginning with a different signal-caller under center.

That level of instability at quarterback has made sustained offensive cohesion nearly impossible, especially for pass-catchers attempting to establish rhythm, chemistry, and consistent production.

While a new coaching regime in Pittsburgh could theoretically unlock Freiermuth’s full potential, there is also growing belief that both player and organization may benefit from a change of scenery.

For Kansas City, the appeal is obvious, as Freiermuth offers exactly what the Chiefs currently lack: size, reliability, red-zone efficiency, and a dependable middle-of-the-field presence.

With Travis Kelce’s future increasingly uncertain, whether due to age, health, or potential retirement considerations, Kansas City must begin planning for life beyond its legendary tight end.

Freiermuth could immediately serve as a complementary option to Kelce, learning within Andy Reid’s system while gradually assuming greater responsibility as the offense transitions toward its next phase.

From a schematic standpoint, Freiermuth’s route-running intelligence and soft hands would fit seamlessly into Kansas City’s timing-based passing attack, particularly on third downs and inside the red zone.

He also brings underrated blocking ability, which would help stabilize Kansas City’s run game and provide additional protection for Mahomes as he works his way back from a major knee injury.

If Freiermuth is indeed seeking a fresh start, the Chiefs should not hesitate to initiate discussions with Steelers general manager Omar Khan to explore the feasibility of a trade.

Given Pittsburgh’s potential interest in acquiring draft capital or younger assets, Kansas City could structure a deal that satisfies both franchises while addressing urgent needs on each side.

For the Steelers, moving Freiermuth might align with a broader roster reset, allowing them to reallocate resources and reshape an offense still searching for long-term identity.

For the Chiefs, acquiring Freiermuth would represent a proactive investment in offensive stability, insurance against Kelce’s decline, and a critical step toward restoring championship-caliber balance.

This potential trade carries the hallmarks of a rare win-win scenario, one that could quietly reshape the AFC landscape heading into the 2026 season.

Kansas City’s fall from playoff contention has already forced uncomfortable conversations within the organization, and bold offseason decisions will determine whether this season was an anomaly or the beginning of decline.

If the Chiefs are serious about reclaiming their status among the NFL’s elite, securing a proven, motivated, and underutilized talent like Pat Freiermuth may prove to be a pivotal move.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Kansas City’s front office, where the next phone call could help define the franchise’s immediate future and long-term competitive trajectory.