Cap crunch, roster churn, and draft-driven retooling in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs are navigating a tight 2026 salary cap, releasing veterans like Mike Danna and restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ deal while eyeing multiple pending free agents and tough calls on players such as Rashee Rice. With Mahomes’ rehab on an aggressive timeline and Travis Kelce’s future under scrutiny, Andy Reid and Brett Veach are reshaping the roster through reserve/future signings, staff tweaks, and heavy scouting at the NFL Combine. Kansas City is targeting explosiveness at running back, better wide receiver production, and pass-rush help, meeting with prospects like Texas Tech’s David Bailey and local product Domonique Orange. How effectively they balance cap management with smart drafting and selective free agency will define whether they can rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and remain contenders.