ALL IS RIGHT WITH THE WORLD: ERIC BIENIEMY RETURNS TO THE CHIEFS—BUT COULD HE BRING BEARS PLAYERS ALONG FOR THE RIDE?

🚨 IT’S THE TURNAROUND KANSAS CITY FANS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR: After a season marked by a few bumps in the road for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, the return of Eric Bieniemy is like a shot of adrenaline to the heart of the team. Once again, Bieniemy is back to help lead the offense—finally, the Matt Nagy era is behind them.

Bieniemy’s return brings more than just a sense of familiarity. His toughness and experience in overseeing a high-powered offense will be a much-needed asset to reignite the Chiefs’ attack. However, despite this exciting development, the team still has many gaps to fill across the roster this offseason, not just on the offensive side of the ball.

Now, with Bieniemy back at the helm and his previous team, the Chicago Bears, achieving considerable success in 2025, could there be a unique opportunity here? Could Bieniemy potentially bring some players along with him to Kansas City? The Bears have several players about to enter free agency and may even serve as a trade partner for the Chiefs. Though we’re not talking about Pro Bowl caliber players necessarily, these individuals could bring just the right level of skill to help bolster the Chiefs’ roster.

Let’s dive into a few names the Chiefs could target this offseason, particularly those with ties to Bieniemy and the Bears.

ROSCHON JOHNSON, RB: A BARGAIN WITH A LOT OF POTENTIAL

One of the most intriguing names to consider is Roschon Johnson, a running back who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Bears. However, his impact on the field has been limited. In fact, Johnson had only two carries last season.

But there’s more to this story. Johnson had a stellar career at Texas, where he was a highly-touted backup behind Bijan Robinson, one of the most sought-after college players in recent memory. His limited opportunities in Chicago have left fans scratching their heads, wondering why he hasn’t seen more playing time.

What the Chiefs need right now is a total reset at the running back position. While Johnson may not be a starting caliber back, he could be a strong depth piece. Imagine him in the same mold as Kareem Hunt, providing a bigger body who can catch passes and contribute in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The potential is there for him to become a reliable complementary back, and with Bieniemy’s guidance, his talent could truly flourish.

COLE KMET, TE: A SOLID BACKUP PLAN FOR KELCE’S FUTURE?

Next, let’s turn our attention to the tight end position, which has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense for years, especially with Travis Kelce in the fold. However, with Kelce’s future becoming increasingly uncertain, the Chiefs may need to consider a backup plan. Enter Cole Kmet.

In 2025, Kmet played alongside Colston Loveland, forming a tight end duo for the Bears. While he’s locked into a 4-year, $50 million extension through 2027, Kmet is still an interesting option for Kansas City. The Chiefs have a long-standing tradition of prioritizing the tight end position, and though the prospect of trading for Kmet might be challenging, it’s worth considering.

Kmet is more than just a backup player; he’s a solid option who could contribute immediately. Despite his relatively low production last season (only 30 catches), Kmet has shown flashes of brilliance in the past. The Bears’ decision to lean more heavily on Loveland last season doesn’t negate the fact that Kmet can still be a valuable asset to an offense that thrives on tight end play.

With Kelce’s age becoming a talking point for the Chiefs, bringing in someone like Kmet could serve as a long-term solution to ensure the team maintains its offensive prowess for years to come.

KEVIN BYARD, S: A DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER WHO COULD BOLSTER THE CHIEFS’ SECONDARY

Now, let’s not forget the defensive side of the ball. While Bieniemy has primarily focused on the offensive side of things, there are still plenty of holes to fill on defense. One name that stands out is Kevin Byard, a safety who has proven his worth year after year in the league.

Byard has been a first-team All-Pro on multiple occasions and finished the 2025 season with a league-leading seven interceptions. His ability to read the game and step up in big moments makes him a highly valuable addition for any defense. The Chiefs, who have been searching for more depth at the safety position, could benefit greatly from Byard’s leadership and savvy football IQ.

At a time when the Chiefs’ defense could use a player who can make game-changing plays, Byard fits the bill perfectly. With his elite skills and proven track record, he would add an additional layer of stability and playmaking ability to a defense already loaded with talent.

THE CHIEFS COULD FIX THEIR ROSTER WITH A FEW SMART MOVES

In the grand scheme of things, while the Chiefs’ primary focus will likely remain on offense, the reality is that a well-rounded team requires strength on both sides of the ball. Bieniemy’s familiarity with some of the Bears’ players could give Kansas City a distinct advantage in filling in the gaps. Roschon Johnson, Cole Kmet, and Kevin Byard are just a few potential options that could help the Chiefs shore up key areas of need.

With the 2025 offseason already heating up, the possibility of Bieniemy leveraging his relationship with the Bears to bring in some fresh talent is an exciting proposition. The Chiefs have the opportunity to patch up their roster and maintain their status as contenders, all while keeping an eye on the future and ensuring that their team remains competitive for seasons to come.

Stay tuned as the offseason unfolds—these moves could just be the game-changers Kansas City needs to stay at the top.