Now that the Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason chances are finished and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is out, the next three weeks are about identifying players who might help in the future. There is going to be plenty of roster turnover this offseason, so it’s important to get strong evaluations on anyone under contract into 2026.
With that in mind, here are three questions I have about some of the Chiefs’ young players over the next three weeks:
1. Can the Chiefs find a role for Brashard Smith?
All season, we’ve anticipated rookie running back Brashard
Smith’s breakout, but it hasn’t happened. The Chiefs have not found a consistent role that suits his skillset in the run game, and he has made little impact on pass plays. Kansas City is still looking for someone to fill a role similar to that of former Chiefs’ running back Jerick McKinnon.
Smith could develop into that player, but he needs an opportunity to do so, and the final three weeks are the perfect time. There’s no reason to give starting running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco all of the carries. Both will be unrestricted free agents this offseason and could be elsewhere in 2026. It would be more advantageous to see what Smith has to offer for the future of the Chiefs’ running back room.
Moving forward, the rookie back should see a variety of run concepts called for him to see what sticks. He should also be featured in the pass game; the play calling should dial up a few screens for him, anything to get the ball in his hands.
2. Can Ashton Gillotte be a consistent pass-rush presence?
Kansas City’s defensive line has struggled to make an impact over the past two years. The depth beyond George Karlaftis and Chris Jones isn’t adequate. Defensive ends Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna have both dropped off significantly since their peak performances in 2023. Last offseason, defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton signed elsewhere in free agency, and the Chiefs were unable to replace his production in 2025. Former first-round pick, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, was out before his third season even began with an injury.
The solutions were supposed to be two rookies: defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott and defensive end Ashton Gillotte, who were taken within the top 75 picks. The duo was unable to contribute much this season: Norman-Lott tore his ACL early in the year, and Gillotte hasn’t done much in limited playing time, but his snap count is steadily increasing and he is coming off his best game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chiefs need to overhaul most of the defensive line this offseason. Gillotte could use these next three games as an audition for next year.
Gillotte should play starter-level snaps over the next three weeks. He has a couple of things he needs to work on before next year. First, he’ll have to prove he’s a capable run defender despite having short arms and not being a heavier player. Second, and most importantly, he needs to give the Chiefs some pass-rush juice. Gillotte has had moments of explosiveness this year, but he needs to be more consistent.
Gillotte has two favorable matchups going forward: the Tennessee Titans and the Las Vegas Raiders. I would hope he looks flashes against struggling offensive tackles. If he doesn’t, it will limit optimism in his development going into next season.
3. Can Esa Pole earn a role in the Chiefs’ offensive line plans in 2026?
Undrafted rookie offensive tackle Esa Pole was impressive in his first game against the Houston Texans, but last week was more of a roller coaster. He struggled to keep the edge sealed against edge rushers Odafe Oweh and Tuli Tuipolotu. Pole is still a young player, and those guys are agile, so it was a tough matchup.
Over his last three games, I want to see how consistent he can play. Can he look like a potential starter next year? Is he the swing tackle for this team if they cut right tackle Jawaan Taylor? Or, does Pole struggle, and the Chiefs seek out external help at tackle?
If the Chiefs move on from Taylor, tackle depth will be necessary. As we’ve seen over the past few years, the Chiefs need as many quality offensive linemen as possible. Even if Pole proves to be a capable backup, that’s a great find by the front office.
