With the NFL offseason almost here, it’s almost time for the Kansas City Chiefs to make the decisions we have been speculating about before the 2026 season begins.
In The Feed yesterday, the Arrowhead Pride community was asked what the Chiefs should do first this offseason.
Alright guys, I know we’re used to preparing for the Super Bowl this week, but let’s focus in on priority number one. Out of all the things the Chiefs need to take care of between now and OTAs, what should be done first?
My take:
figure out Right Tackle. Cutting Jawaan Taylor, sure, but it should be top of mind when free agency starts in March.
My elaborated take
The right tackle position needs to have a plan before all else takes place in Kansas City. That doesn’t just mean cutting three-year starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor to save $20 million against the 2026 cap.
It may not be announced publicly, but the Chiefs need to be confident that offensive tackle Jaylon Moore can take over for Taylor moving forward. If that is not the case, the team needs to move on, save nearly $8 million more against the cap, and prioritize a right tackle in free agency that inspires more confidence.
Here are some options:
- Colts right tackle Braden Smith, an eight-season starter
- Cardinals tackle Kelvin Beachum, a starting right tackle for five of the past six seasons
- Giants tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, starting right tackle for the past four seasons
- Commanders lineman Andrew Wylie, a four-season starting right tackle (two in Kansas City)
- Dolphins starting right tackle Larry Borom, a former Missouri Tiger
Undrafted offensive tackle Esa Pole finished his first year in the NFL as the starting left tackle for the Chiefs’ final five games. He has the look of a swing tackle, the first player off the bench for either bookend position.
The offensive line feels solidified at four of the five positions, but right tackle is a crucial position, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from injury. If Moore — who started two games at right tackle in 2025 — is the answer, the Chiefs should know that before anything else that happens this offseason.
Here are the other answers given by the commenters:
OzarkEd
This is like eating an elephant. Which bite do you start with? The first action has to be cap space, so releasing Taylor, trading McDuffie and restructuring Mahomes and maybe Jones are all top three in urgency. Although rethinking it a bit, I guess the first thing is to complete the coaching staff hires.
Mikek1989
First order of business is to clear dead weight and cap space. You can’t come up with a firm plan until you know what you’re working with.
Clear cap space. Restructure. Then see what FA brings.
ChiefConcern
1) Trent McDuffie – trade or keep
2) Travis Kelce – return or retire
3) Restructure to get some cap space
AZDiamond75
I don’t think RT will be figured out first, most likely decided between Moore, Pole and a draft pick or FA in training camp. I think the first move will be to sign a RB, DE or DT in FA. My guess is RB will be first.
ResistanceUnderground
As if the AP crowd is going to say anything besides RB…
DT58HOF
Take vacations and freaking relax.
KSKidnCO
Shop McDuffie to determine if he should be traded
Study the NFL Scouting Combine results, and spend lots of time creating the draft board
CiscoKidAC
How about beginning with finding a new RB coach?
Chiefbako1
We need to be aggressive in free agency. We cannot let the parade go by.
What answers are missing from this list? What’s the second step? Continue the discussion in the comments as we wait for the action to begin later this month.
