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NFL Insider Reveals Patrick Mahomes’ Role With Chiefs Goes Beyond Playing QB | Heavy Sports
NBC Sports analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms recently shared a story about the role Mahomes plays in the roster decisions the Chiefs make (via the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast).
“I’ve been there in Kansas City, they ask him about everything because they know he’s working and involved,” Simms said. “I was there on a day where it was cut day. I was about to interview him and they (Chiefs officials)
were like hold on, he’s in the meeting with Andy (Chiefs coach Andy Reid) and (Chiefs general manager) Brett Veach talking about who’s going to make the team and who’s not. I don’t even know if I was supposed to share that, but I just did. Regardless, that’s just the kind of guy he (Mahomes) is.”
2026 NFL draft team needs: Depth chart holes, prospect fits | ESPN
Kansas City Chiefs
Top three needs: edge, WR, DT. The Chiefs don’t have a quality pass rusher on the edge opposite George Karlaftis. And even after tight end Travis Kelce returned, the Chiefs could use another talented receiver to play alongside Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. As for defensive tackle, the team needs to add depth behind Chris Jones and free agent signing Khyiris Tonga. Omarr Norman-Lott, their 2025 second-round pick, sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee last October. — Nate Taylor
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan. I’d expect the Chiefs to gravitate toward a dense and powerful edge rusher, and Moore fits the description. He has plenty of pop in his hands to set a strong edge as a run defender, plus he can routinely win as an edge rusher with overwhelming power. — Reid
Kansas City Chiefs 2026 outlook: Five reasons the dynasty isn’t dead | DAZN
Are the Chiefs all the way back?
In a word, no. It’s way too soon to make such a bold claim. Much work remains.
Mahomes’ knee, Kelce’s age and the rebuilt secondary are all very real concerns, any one of which could scupper the Chiefs’ chances of hanging with the best teams in the league.
But make no mistake. The Chiefs aren’t rebuilding, they’re reloading, and if they strike gold in the draft or add a key piece or two in free agency, they could quickly breathe life back into the dynasty.
2 Trades Chiefs Can Still Make, Before or After Draft | Sports Illustrated
Anudike-Uzomah for 2027 fifth-round pick
While Anudike-Uzomah missed the 2025 season with a hamstring injury, and he has just four sacks in 38 NFL games, he’s still within a maximum-value window. The Chiefs’ first-round selection (31st overall) in the 2023 draft, Anudike-Uzomah has shown flashes of potentially turning a corner. He posted a tackle for loss in Super Bowl 58 against San Francisco and also sacked C.J. Stroud in a playoff game.
Last August, Veach procured a sixth-round 2027 pick from the 49ers for Skyy Moore. The general manager then flipped that selection to the Jets this month to acquire Fields. Surely, at least one team would be willing to surrender a fifth-rounder in next year’s draft, or even a sixth-rounder in 2026, for a former first-round selection in Anudike-Uzomah.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers once again faced disappointment in the playoffs stemming from injuries to starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. In a 16-3 Wild Card loss to the Patriots, New England sacked Justin Herbert six times as part of 11 quarterback hits.
In addition to beefing up the interior of the offensive line, the Chargers could stand to add a pass rusher on either Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft.
Biggest offseason move: Naming Mike McDaniel offensive coordinator
The thought is that Jim Harbaugh replaced Greg Roman with Mike McDaniel in an effort to boost the play of Justin Herbert, with an expectation that the offense shifts to a blend of Harbaugh’s run emphasis with wide-open targets for the quarterback.
The caveat will be that it is unlikely to matter if his protection can’t stay healthy, which further underlines the need to solidify the line. Los Angeles added center Tyler Biadasz and right guard Cole Strange in free agency, leaving left guard as a priority.
Around the NFL
Tom Brady says he’s asked NFL about potential comeback: ‘They don’t like that idea very much’ | CNBC
“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady said in an interview promoting his World Cup ad campaign with Ferrero. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”
An NFL spokesperson said if Brady were to pursue a return to the league, he would first need to divest his ownership stake in the Raiders, citing a 2023 policy that prohibits players or team employees from taking equity in a club.
“In addition, there would be salary cap issues involving a player/owner,” the spokesperson added.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson says he’s ‘absolutely’ a 1st-round pick | ESPN
“Why not?” Simpson said. “Go have fun. Go sling it. You watch the tape of the pro day, there wasn’t any easy throws. I didn’t want to make it easy.”
Simpson is widely considered the No. 2 quarterback available in the draft behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, although at least one draft analyst believes Simpson is the top QB available.
Simpson said he was invited to attend the draft in person in Pittsburgh. While he hasn’t decided whether he will make the trip, his play on the field paired with his rise during the process reaffirmed what many believe — that he’s a lock to be a first-round pick.
“Absolutely,” Simpson said. “I feel like I’ve done everything I can, but it’s not up to me. I just know that wherever I go, I’m going to give it my all and make sure I’ll put my best foot forward.
Caleb Williams’ ‘Iceman’ trademark request challenged by NBA legend George Gervin | The Athletic
Basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin is contesting a request to trademark the nickname “Iceman” by Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Gervin, an NBA and ABA legend who played for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls during his 14-year career in the United States, told the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday that “we’ve already got one ‘Iceman.’”
“I’ve got nothing but respect for (Williams),” Gervin told the Sun-Times. “He’s already proved greatness, and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken.”
In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride
Chiefs Draft: Prospects who have or will reportedly take top-30 visits
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, will start a string of visits “with the Chiefs later this week,” according to Field Yates of ESPN.
TE Justin Joly, North Carolina State, has a visit scheduled with the Chiefs, per NFL and college football analyst Ryan Fowler.
WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State, has a visit scheduled with the Chiefs, according to Fowler.
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State, has a visit scheduled with the Chiefs, among other teams, as he told reporters during his Pro Day.
WR Makai Lemon, USC, has a visit scheduled with the Chiefs, according to Fowler.
TE Oscar Delp, Georgia, has the Chiefs as one of the seven teams he is scheduled to meet with, per Arye Pulli.
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