🚨 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS’ OFFSEASON PLAN: Could Free Agency Bring the Key Pieces Needed for a Super Bowl Run? 👇

With the Kansas City Chiefs not playing in the Super Bowl this year for the first time in four years, the 2026 offseason is their chance to refocus and reload. The Chiefs’ salary cap situation is among the most difficult in the league, requiring a level of strategic planning that will likely involve major moves — but not necessarily the type of big-name splashes that fans might expect. Instead, Kansas City is poised to make targeted, quality additions that could pay dividends well into the future.

As Brett Veach and his staff take the reins this offseason, Chris Shea, assistant general manager, will be tasked with leading the charge on the Chiefs’ necessary “plastic surgery” to retool their roster for sustained success. The team will have limited funds, so the focus will likely shift to either one major acquisition or several well-priced signings to strengthen key positions.

If Kansas City goes the big-purchase route, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots players will likely be on their radar as free agency begins on March 9. Here are some potential targets that could help propel the Chiefs back into championship contention.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Running Back

As much as Jeremiyah Love may be a potential draft target, there’s no certainty that he’ll be available for the Chiefs at No. 9 in April. What’s clear is that Kansas City desperately needs a workhorse back capable of providing a consistent ground attack. The Chiefs ranked 32nd in the NFL in rushes of 20-or-more yards last season, with just three such runs. Kenneth Walker III, with his ability to break off explosive runs — eight of them entering the Super Bowl — could be the perfect fit for a Chiefs team that hasn’t had a downhill running back since Tyreek Hill left.

Walker’s explosiveness in the ground game would add a much-needed dimension to Kansas City’s offense, and his potential availability in free agency could make him a prime target for the Chiefs. His ability to hit home runs with the ball could add a much-needed wrinkle to the Chiefs’ offense as they look to return to their Super Bowl-winning form.

Coby Bryant, Seattle Safety

With Bryan Cook expected to leave as a free agent, Steve Spagnuolo will likely be looking for a versatile defensive back to fit into his system. Coby Bryant, a Seattle Seahawks safety, could be an ideal target for Kansas City. Bryant has played both cornerback and safety in Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense, making him a flexible asset that Spagnuolo will surely value.

Bryant, with four interceptions this season, would be an instant upgrade to a secondary that lacked playmaking ability last season — the Chiefs only managed 10 interceptions all year, with Jaylen Watson leading the team with just two. Adding Bryant would give the Chiefs a physical, versatile player who could contribute right away and help create more turnovers in a defense that struggled to produce them in 2025.

Boye Mafe, Seattle Edge Rusher

After coming so close to acquiring Boye Mafe at the trade deadline last November, the Chiefs’ pass rush continued to falter, which contributed to a less-than-ideal finish to their season. With Mike Danna potentially on his way out due to cap restrictions, Mafe would be an ideal fit alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis on the Chiefs’ defensive line.

At 6-4, 261 pounds, Mafe is an impressive physical specimen, and over his four-year career, he has recorded 20 sacks and 14 passes defensed. Not only would he provide a much-needed boost to the Chiefs’ pass rush, but he would also be a versatile piece for Spagnuolo’s nickel packages, whether pressuring quarterbacks or dropping back into coverage to surprise the opposing offense.

Mafe was drafted just one pick ahead of Kenneth Walker in the 2022 draft and would make an immediate impact on Kansas City’s defense if they could land him this offseason.

Josh Jobe, Seattle Cornerback

Every Super Bowl often features an under-the-radar player who steps up and makes a key play. Josh Jobe, a Seattle Seahawks cornerback, could be that player for the Chiefs in 2026. Jobe’s versatility, athleticism, and football IQ make him a great fit for Spagnuolo’s defense. With Riq Woolen and Jaylen Watson potentially commanding more market value in free agency, Jobe could be an affordable option who could provide depth and playmaking ability in the Chiefs’ secondary.

Jobe has shown that he has the potential to excel in a defensive system that values physical, adaptable corners. His presence could be a solid addition to a secondary that is looking for consistent playmakers to complement L’Jarius Sneed and the rest of the defensive backfield.

Rashid Shaheed, Seattle Wide Receiver/Return Specialist

The Chiefs’ special teams and defense were notably lacking in non-offensive touchdowns in 2025 — the team had zero touchdowns from special teams or defense. Historically, Andy Reid’s teams have thrived on non-offensive scores, and Rashid Shaheed could restore that element to Kansas City’s game. Shaheed, who has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns since joining the Seahawks in 2025, could inject some much-needed explosiveness into the Chiefs’ special teams unit.

Beyond his return skills, Shaheed also brings a threat in the passing game, with a 51-yard reception in the NFC Championship game against the Rams and an 87-yard touchdown catch earlier in the season. His ability to make plays both as a returner and as a deep threat in the passing game would give Patrick Mahomes another weapon to utilize in 2026.

The Bottom Line: Free Agency Could Be the Chiefs’ Ticket to a Super Bowl

With their salary cap limitations, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to make strategic moves in free agency to remain competitive in the 2026 season. These potential signings — Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe, Josh Jobe, and Rashid Shaheed — could all provide the Chiefs with significant upgrades at key positions. With Brett Veach and his staff hard at work to strengthen the roster, expect the Chiefs to make several calculated moves that could help push them back into Super Bowl contention.

Stay tuned to see how these free agency developments unfold as the Chiefs look to reassert themselves at the top of the AFC. To keep up with the latest Kansas City Chiefs news, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE newsletter, delivering the latest updates straight to your inbox every morning!