Have the Chiefs Regained Their Swagger?

It’s undeniable how fortunate Kansas City is to have the Royals and Chiefs nearby. While they may be separated by state lines later this summer after both teams announce their new stadium homes, regardless of your zip code, like the Royals, the Chiefs appear to have found their swagger back as the off-season continues.

Last month, the Kansas City Chiefs added seven draft picks, each of whom could become starters for their Super Bowl-winning franchise. Led by Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons, the 2025 draft class has the potential to surpass the 2022 class that features Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis.

Yes, it’s early to see how these seven picks will materialize this season, but according to every NFL pundit, the Chiefs slayed their draft. Yet, as exciting as that might be, the overall benefit to the franchise can’t be overlooked.

The Chiefs strive to return to the Super Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. The Buffalo Bills accomplished this once, from 1991 to 1994, but they lost all four appearances.

Super Bowl LIX was a disaster for the Chiefs. However, instead of complaining, the franchise took responsibility for its shortcomings in the big game. In doing so, they went back to work. They signed numerous free agents, retained some of their players, and, on paper, now have a much deeper roster.

Still, the entire season rides on Patrick Mahomes and how he uses the chip on his shoulder and his new haircut to regain the high-flying offense he seeks for 2025. In his one off-season interview to date, he made it clear he didn’t take enough chances down the field and that trepidation will end this season.

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His receiving corps is fast and lethal, featuring Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, a healthy Hollywood Brown, and new draftee Jalen Royals. When you add Travis Kelce and seventh-round pick running back Brashard Smith, the NFL better prepare for a revamped Chiefs offense.

If Mahomes can restore order to his game, take more risks, and the offensive line can give him one or two more seconds to make his reads downfield, perhaps he can be a 50-touchdown quarterback again.

With OTAs ongoing this month, and a mandatory mini-camp in June, it’ll be interesting to see how much of a risk taker Mahomes becomes with the football.

Whichever way you read his off-season and the moves the Chiefs made to remove the stench of that Super Bowl loss. They appear to be looking forward, and the goals remain the same.