The Kansas City Chiefs, in terms of Super Bowl contention, are not done. But seven players of their players now are. Following their Super Bowl 59, the Chiefs have said goodbye to a handful of bottom-of-the-roster helpers. Kansas City has cut ties with linebacker Swayze Bozeman, linebacker Cole Christiansen, tight end Anthony Firsker, running back Keontay Ingram, cornerback Nic Jones, cornerback Steven Nelson and wide receiver Montrell Washington.

It’s also that time of year for futures contracts and more, and that’s where 11 guys have been signed up. The Chiefs have done deals with the following players: quarterback Chris Oladokun, receiver Jason Brownlee, receiver Justyn Ross, receiver Tyquan Thornton, tight end Baylor Cupp, tackle Chukuebuka Godrick, defensive lineman Siaki Ika, defensive lineman Fabien Lovett Sr., cornerback Darius Rush, cornerback Eric Scott Jr., and safety Deon Bush.

None of these moves are especially reflective, of course, of KC having been downed 40-21 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl … and none of this means KC is no longer a dominant force. The fact is, whether the moves are major or minor, there is a “Patrick Mahomes Window” in play here.

As long as the QB is still in his prime – Mahomes is just 29 – the Chiefs figure to be contenders and will be in the Super Bowl conversation in 2025. Same goes for the bosses, with Andy Reid as the coach and with the GM Brett Veach in place. The path to Super Bowl LX is of the sort that this group knows well.

Some think the Chiefs, Mahomes in particular, will be more inspired to win next year as a result of this recent loss. Related: Travis Kelce Retirement Move Comes With Controversial Chiefs Deadline But every team every year is a new edition of itself – and around here, Travis Kelce’s retirement contemplation makes that especially true.

But there will be comings and going and cuts and signings … none of which keeps the Chiefs from again planning to be in the Super Bowl conversation.