Patrick Mahomes Labeled with a Brutal One-Word Verdict!
For years, Patrick Mahomes has been the undisputed leader of the Kansas City Chiefs, proving time and again that he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. His blend of athleticism, arm strength, and ability to improvise under pressure has made him the face of the league.
However, the 2024 offseason brings uncertainty for Mahomes and the Chiefs. A once-dominant offense is shifting, key players are leaving, and Mahomes is facing one of the most challenging seasons of his career.
Bleacher Report recently released an assessment of every NFL franchise’s star player, assigning each a single word that encapsulates their current situation. The word chosen for Mahomes?
“Unsupported.”
A Changing Chiefs Offense: The Evolution of Mahomes’ Role
Mahomes entered the league as a gunslinger, dazzling fans with deep throws, no-look passes, and off-script plays that left defenses scrambling. Under head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs built an offensive juggernaut around him, featuring elite playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
In those early years, Mahomes had everything a quarterback could ask for:
– A dominant deep threat (Tyreek Hill) – Opened up the field with speed.
– A reliable safety blanket (Travis Kelce) – The best receiving tight end in football.
– A strong offensive line – Gave Mahomes time to make plays.
With this stacked roster, Mahomes helped lead the Chiefs to multiple AFC Championship Games and two Super Bowl victories.
But the past two seasons have marked a shift in how the Chiefs operate. Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022, forcing Mahomes to adjust to a less explosive offense. Rather than relying on deep shots, he evolved into more of a game manager, making smart reads, extending plays with his legs, and taking what the defense gave him.
Despite the transition, Mahomes still delivered, leading the Chiefs to another Super Bowl win in 2023. However, that victory was fueled as much by Kansas City’s elite defense as it was by Mahomes’ heroics.
The Offseason Exodus: Who’s Leaving Mahomes?
The 2024 season ended on a sour note with a Super Bowl loss, and now the Chiefs are facing a difficult offseason. Several key offensive weapons are set to hit free agency, leaving Mahomes in an uncertain position.
Departing Free Agents:
– JuJu Smith-Schuster – A reliable possession receiver who contributed when healthy.
– DeAndre Hopkins – A veteran with elite hands but nearing the end of his prime.
– Marquise Brown – A speedster who added a deep threat element.
With these departures, Mahomes’ current receiving corps is thin, consisting primarily of:
– Rashee Rice – A promising young receiver but still developing.
– Xavier Worthy – A speedy rookie with upside but unproven in the NFL.
Even Kelce, Mahomes’ most trusted weapon, is another year older. While still dominant, he won’t play forever, and his production could decline in the coming seasons.
Offensive Line Concerns
Another issue is the offensive line. While the Chiefs have franchise-tagged Trey Smith, ensuring Mahomes has at least one key protector in 2025, other areas of the line remain uncertain. Keeping Mahomes upright has always been a priority for Kansas City, but if they fail to reinforce their front five, their star quarterback could face increased pressure from opposing defenses.
Can the Chiefs Fix These Issues?
Despite the current concerns, the Chiefs aren’t a franchise known for standing still. General manager Brett Veach has a history of making bold moves to retool the roster, and Kansas City has multiple options to bolster Mahomes’ supporting cast.
1. Free Agency Signings
The Chiefs have the ability to pursue established veterans who could immediately contribute. Some potential targets include:
– Mike Evans (Buccaneers) – A big-bodied receiver who would give Mahomes a true No. 1 target.
– Tee Higgins (Bengals) – A dynamic playmaker who could complement Rice.
– Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens) – A veteran with big-game experience.
Adding one or two of these names could dramatically change the outlook of the Chiefs’ offense.
2. 2024 NFL Draft
Kansas City could also use its draft capital to secure a young, elite receiver. Some top prospects who could fit Mahomes’ playing style include:
– Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) – A generational talent, though likely out of reach unless the Chiefs trade up.
– Malik Nabers (LSU) – An explosive receiver with speed and separation ability.
– Rome Odunze (Washington) – A polished route runner with great hands.
If the Chiefs opt to draft a receiver, they’ll need to ensure he can contribute immediately. Mahomes doesn’t have time for a long development curve—he needs help now.
3. Potential Trade Moves
Kansas City could explore a blockbuster trade to acquire an elite wide receiver. The team has been aggressive in past seasons, and if they feel Mahomes is truly “unsupported,” they could make a move similar to the Rams’ acquisition of Matthew Stafford or the Eagles’ trade for A.J. Brown.
Is “Unsupported” a Fair Description of Mahomes?
While Mahomes isn’t completely alone—he still has Rice, Worthy, and Kelce—the argument that he’s less supported than ever before holds weight.
For years, Mahomes has made magic happen, often elevating the players around him. However, even the best quarterbacks need help. Tom Brady won multiple Super Bowls with elite defenses and strong supporting casts. Peyton Manning had Hall of Fame receivers. Even Joe Burrow and Josh Allen rely on top-tier playmakers.
If Kansas City doesn’t make significant additions this offseason, Mahomes could be in for one of the most challenging years of his career.
What’s Next for Mahomes and the Chiefs?
The good news for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs is that they are not an organization known for complacency. Under general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs have consistently found ways to adapt, reload, and remain one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. They understand that Mahomes is the foundation of their success, and they are unlikely to leave him without the necessary support to compete at an elite level.
The upcoming offseason will be crucial in shaping the Chiefs’ future. With key offensive players entering free agency and questions surrounding the offensive line, Kansas City must be aggressive in either re-signing talent, pursuing playmakers in free agency, or drafting high-upside prospects. Whether they target veteran wide receivers, invest in young talent, or make a blockbuster trade, their moves will determine whether the “unsupported” label sticks—or if Mahomes receives the reinforcements he needs.
Regardless of the challenges ahead, one fact remains undeniable: As long as Patrick Mahomes is leading the Chiefs, they will always be a championship threat. His ability to elevate the players around him and perform under pressure has been proven time and again. If Kansas City makes the right decisions, Mahomes will continue to dominate, and the Chiefs will remain a powerhouse in the NFL for years to come.
