Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discussed the team's transition period and upcoming draft opportunities at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix. After a 6-11 season in 2025 marred by Patrick Mahomes' torn ACL, the Chiefs hold the No. 9 and No. 29 overall picks. Reid provided updates on Mahomes' rehab and the acquisition of quarterback Justin Fields.
The Chiefs dominated the NFL with three Super Bowl wins from 2019 to 2024 and five appearances in six years, but their 2025 campaign ended at 6-11, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Mahomes suffered the ACL tear in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Key veterans like tight end Travis Kelce, who turns 37 in 2026, and defensive tackle Chris Jones, entering his age-32 season, highlight the need for retooling, compounded by the losses of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie to a trade with the Rams and Jaylen Watson in free agency. Reid spoke at Tuesday's AFC coaches' breakfast about embracing the change: 'We'll see how we can fill in some of the blanks there.' The team also holds the No. 40 pick in Round 2, arming general manager Brett Veach with three top-50 selections. 'It's a position you don't want to be in, but we're there,' Reid said, expressing confidence in landing good players. On Mahomes' recovery from the mid-December injury, Reid reported positive progress without a firm timeline. 'He's doing good... I would never bet against him,' he said. Mahomes recently shared a video of himself throwing. The Chiefs acquired Justin Fields from the New York Jets as backup insurance. Reid noted Fields' familiarity with the offense from working with former coordinator Matt Nagy: 'Not only do we like him as a player, but he was also in this offense as a rookie... a legitimate guy in there that can play and win games.'
