Contract extensions, youth, and an incredible level of production on offensive will keep the Chiefs offensive a wrecking ball.
One thing has certainly been true since quarterback Patrick Mahomes began starting in 2018. This team can certainly move the ball down the field.
Last season, the Chiefs led the NFL in total scrimmage yards with 415 per game. In two of his three seasons starting, Mahomes has led his offensive to the most scrimmage yards, according to the Football Database.
But offensives in the NFL go through highs and lows. One day a quarterback has all the weapons and is competing for a Super Bowl, the next he’s struggling to stay up-right. But should the Chiefs worry about this when it comes to Mahomes?
It certainly should be a concern, and the front office has decided to act on these problems head-on rather than ignore them. The Super Bowl loss is the most current example. Mahomes wasn’t protected so the team made changes to the offensive line.
The Chiefs signed left guard Joe Thuney from the Patriots until 2026. They also picked up left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. via a trade. Both of these pieces should help the longevity and open up more options for the pass-heavy offense.
Working with contracts and getting extensions is a must for a roster this stacked. Look no further than getting Mahomes a decade-long extension last offseason. That was a defining moment in Chiefs history to get their guy locked down long-term.
One thing clearly evident on offense is the mass amount of weapons. At wide receiver, the Chiefs have Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, both under contract through 2022. With general manager Brett Veach’s track record, I’d expect a deal for Hill to stay with the Chiefs longer than 2022.
31-year-old tight end Travis Kelce is coming off a record-breaking season. After 1,416 yards, over 100 catches, and 11 touchdowns, Kelce doesn’t look to be slowing down at all. His contract expires after the 2025 season, and may just be the end of his career given his usage being so high.
Then even at running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was just a rookie last season. His contract still has three years left and with Thuney and Brown Jr., the running game could be even more effective to keep the defense honest.
The Chiefs have utilized team-friendly contract extensions on both sides of the ball. This has helped to keep the talent in Kansas City and to keep their success coming. This team has hosted three straight AFC Championships and went to back-to-back Super Bowls.
The franchise has also listened and worked with Mahomes as opposed to keeping him out of roster conversations. Taking his considerations, especially for guys like Edwards-Helaire, proves there is a lot of trust in Mahomes long-term as well.
This young roster of Chiefs will be around each other for years to come. Given their previous history, they’ll continue to be AFC and Super Bowl contenders for years and years to come if they continue the trend of extending their best players.
