In the dead of the NFL offseason, every writer feels the temptation to compile rankings of some sort.
Amid my battle with the rankings-season demon, a realization came to me: Is there anything resembling a clear answer to who the Kansas City Chiefs’ second-best player is?
When asked that way, the debate feels limited to the obvious names, so let’s add the wrinkle that sparked a strong debate among Arrowhead Pride users in “The Feed” this week:
Who is the most important player on the Chiefs after quarterback
Patrick Mahomes?
My mind immediately goes to defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is both paid and built around with defensive personnel as if he were a premium edge rusher. So if Jones doesn’t produce like one —a la generating just 12 sacks over the last two seasons — the game plan and scheme on defense suddenly feel easier to question.
Jones doesn’t need high sack totals to be a difference-making game-wrecker, but the team’s investment in him naturally lessens the chances of adding proven, high-caliber teammates for him to line up alongside in the trenches.
So he either needs to tangibly elevate the players around him (stop lining up as an edge rusher and focus on destroying the front of the pocket, for starters), or turn back the clock somehow to resemble a prime Chris Jones, overcoming potential limitations in the unit around him by blowing up plays by himself constantly.
It makes him the most important non-Patrick Mahomes player for the team’s success as things currently stand, in my opinion.
Here were the best responses from our users:
kbrown2006
K Walker is my answer. With Bienemy I think he changes everything offensively. Not that he has to be a bell cow and run for 2k yards but because the dynamic run game changes everything for our passing game. RPO, Play action has been a joke for the last few years. Run the ball and punish the defense for not respecting our OL and skill players including Johnson and Royals and Worthy to a certain extent.
djsvegas
I’m thinking Delane is the most important Chief not named Mahomes…If we get a near pro-bowl season from him, we will be in great shape. If you pick another DB, I won’t argue against it, but someone back there has to be a shutdown guy. Someone back there has to be able to have an individual impact on each game that makes a difference. Someone back there has to be the guy we can depend on when the other teams gameplan negates our known pass rush. Someone back there has to stand up when we need to get Mahomes the ball back.
HuskerFrisbie
Don’t know the name of who will play opposite Furious George, but this position is the most important on the defense. If we don’t get pressure on QBs, it will really hurt the defense making them defend much longer than needed.
CasualFanatic
Veach didn’t have infinite resources to work with, and they don’t HAVE to repeat the 2022 draft with 80% of their draft picks being quality starters their rookie year, but between their free agency and Draft moves, they need at least 4 to work out WELL. They MUST have at least 2 new plus DBs, a new Plus D-line, and a plus RB, or they’re in for another rough year, imo — whether those are new additions or existing players stepping up, doesn’t matter.
Roscoe
Whoever the new right tackle turns out to be.
Fast5
Harrison Butker is the most important Chief, not named Mahomes.
This guy has to make those field goals when called upon. Yea, theres flashy players but this guy is responsible to putting points on the board. If he can be consistent again, make thoie 50+ yarders, he will win us games.
GKstretch18
I think Worthy is the most important Chief outside of Mahomes for the implications both short and long term his season will have for the franchise. The team sorely lacked the ability to separate and succeed vs man coverage last year, and that, along with an ailing rushing game, killed their offense. If Worthy is able to have a successful season, it will allow Veach to consider other positions critical instead of wide receiver in the offseason. If Worthy isn’t able to have a quality season, the Chiefs will be forced to shell out for a WR1 through FA or by trading up richly in a strong ‘26 draft class.
Staff writer Maurice Elston
A friend of mine once made the compelling argument that QB2 is second most important position in football. No one would agree until QB1 gets hurt. Here’s the truth no other position can swing a season the way quarterback can. If Mahomes misses time, Fields becomes the difference between remaining a playoff contender and potentially falling behind in a loaded AFC.
Is there a player that comes to your mind, but wasn’t mentioned here? Let us know with your own post on The Feed. Create a new post by clicking here.
