Head coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs talk prior to a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the team’s direction following a 6-11 finish in the 2025 season, which marked the franchise missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.Speaking at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Reid outlined how the Chiefs plan to move forward, focusing on health, roster adjustments, and internal development as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Andy Reid DiscussesChiefs’ ‘Retooling’ After 2025 Season
Reid emphasized the importance of turning a disappointing outcome into a productive offseason.
“We’ve had a lot of time to think about it,”Reid said toNFL Senior National Columnist Judy Battista. “This has been a long offseason, butit’s great to reflect, great to go back in and turn what in your mind is a negative, having the end of the season the way we did, into a positive by retooling. Making sure thatyou’re getting healthy — coaches and players — so, stay on top of that. And then go take advantage of it as you work into this next season.”
Reid indicated that the team expects changes but remains confident in its ability to return to contention. The Chiefs are navigating an unfamiliar position after a difficult season during the Patrick Mahomes era.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Update and Recovery Timeline
Mahomes continues to recover from surgery to repair his ACL and LCL.
Reid confirmed that Mahomes has made consistent progress but did not commit to a specific return timeline.
“He’s doing great,”Reid said. “He spends a ton of time in the building. …He’s in there for seven hours a day.It’s showing, the progress. Now, to tell you a timeline? I mean, I know whathe’s striving for.We’ll just see where it goes from there.”
Mahomes has targeted a Week 1 return and recently shareda video of a throwing session approximately three months after surgery. His availability will play a key role in KansasCity’s early-season outlook.
Chiefs Add Justin Fields as Backup Quarterback Option
The Chiefs added quarterback Justin Fields as a contingency plan if Mahomes is not ready for the start of the season. Kansas City acquired Fields from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.
“Well, we snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up,”Reid said. “So, if hedoesn’t, you know, ifhe’s not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we knowwe’ve got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us.”
Fields went 2-7 as a starter with the abysmal Jets in 2025 and had multiple games with limited passing production. However, he previously went 4-2 as a starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, showing potential in a more stable offensive system.
Kenneth Walker III Signing AddressesChiefs Rushing Struggles
Kansas City addressed its run game by signing running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency. The Chiefs ranked 25th in rushing yards last season, prompting a need for improvement in the backfield.
Walker rushed for 1,027 yards in his final season with the Seattle Seahawks, nearly matching the output of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco combined.
“He’s a good football player, and itwon’t change.He’s not gonna change coming to us,”Reid said. “He’s still going to be a good football player. As long as he stays healthy and moves forward, good things can happen for you. We know that the rungame’s importantand we’ve got good offensive linemen in front of him, so that will be a plus for him. It should be a plus for our football team.”
Andy Reid Talks Chiefs Secondary Changes and NFL Draft Outlook
The Chiefs experienced turnover in their secondary during the offseason. Cornerback Trent McDuffiewas traded to the Los Angeles Rams, and Jaylen Watson joined the team through free agency.
Reid said he is comfortable rebuilding that position group based onpast experience.
“I‘ve been in positions as a head coach wherewe’ve replenished the secondary,”Reid said. “At Green Bay, we replenished in the secondary.
I’ve been through that and seen it be productive. Do you want to lose a (Trent) McDuffie? No, butthat’s today’s football.That’s how this thing works today. So,you’ve got to stay flexible, and thenyou’ve got to put yourself in a position where you can replenish that.”
Reid also referenced young talent already on the roster. “We drafted a good kid (Nohl Williams) last year, so I knowwe’ll continue to work through that this year.I’m really not worried about it.I look forward to seeing who these people are that come in.”
Kansas City holds the No. 9 overallpick in the upcoming NFL Draft, along with the No. 29 pick acquired in the McDuffie trade. Reid said the team is not expected to make any specific moves at any position and remains confident in its current roster.