Patrick Mahomes under fire: Can Chiefs steal Super Bowl rival’s star to save his worst season yet?

The Kansas City Chiefs are approaching the 2025 NFL season with a mix of anticipation, urgency, and pressure to bounce back from a rollercoaster 2024 campaign. Despite securing a stellar 15–2 record—the best in franchise history—and reaching their sixth Super Bowl in seven seasons, the Chiefs were dealt a crushing loss by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Now, with Patrick Mahomes leading the charge and franchise icon Travis Kelce nearing the twilight of his career, the Chiefs are determined to bolster their roster and regain championship glory.

Let’s dive into the key storylines surrounding Kansas City’s offseason moves, the rumored pursuit of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, draft priorities, and Mahomes’ response to a season filled with uncharacteristic statistical struggles.

Patrick Mahomes: Facing the Pressure After a Statistical Dip

Patrick Mahomes has set an incredibly high bar as the face of the Chiefs’ dynasty. With two MVP awards, two Super Bowl wins, and multiple record-breaking seasons, Mahomes’ brilliance has been the driving force behind Kansas City’s sustained success. However, the 2024 season wasn’t quite up to his usual elite standards.

Mahomes finished the season with 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions—solid numbers but a dip compared to his career averages. It marked the first time he didn’t surpass 4,000 yards or earn a Pro Bowl selection as a starter. The decline wasn’t solely on Mahomes; the offense was plagued by injuries, inconsistent receiver play, and the departure of veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who failed to integrate into the system after a midseason trade.

Heading into the 2025 season, Mahomes faces increased scrutiny. Can he return to MVP form? And will the Chiefs’ front office provide him with the weapons he needs to succeed?

Brandon Aiyuk: A Potential Game-Changer for the Chiefs’ Offense

One of the hottest rumors surrounding the Chiefs’ offseason is their reported interest in trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk, known for his explosive speed, route-running, and big-play ability, could be the missing piece to revitalize Kansas City’s passing attack.

Aiyuk posted career-best numbers with the 49ers in 2024, despite dealing with minor injuries. His ability to stretch defenses and create separation downfield makes him an attractive target for Mahomes, who thrives when given opportunities to launch deep passes. San Francisco’s general manager, John Lynch, has hinted that the team is open to trade discussions, saying, “You always pick up the phone.”

However, there are challenges to a potential Aiyuk deal. He’s due for a contract extension, and the Chiefs would need to navigate their salary cap carefully to make room for his next payday. Additionally, some analysts question whether Kansas City truly needs Aiyuk, given their depth at wide receiver.

Evaluating the Chiefs’ Receiving Corps

Before rushing into a blockbuster trade, the Chiefs may want to evaluate the talent already on their roster. While the passing game struggled at times in 2024, there are reasons for optimism:

• Xavier Worthy: The rookie sensation dazzled in Super Bowl LIX with multiple touchdown catches. Worthy’s speed, hands, and versatility make him a breakout candidate for 2025.

• Rashee Rice: After missing the latter part of the season due to injury, Rice is poised to make a strong comeback. His chemistry with Mahomes was evident early in the 2024 season.

• Marquise Brown: Signed to a one-year deal, Brown brings experience and speed to the receiving corps. He’s a proven deep threat who could thrive in Kansas City’s high-octane offense.

Given these options, the Chiefs may decide that adding Aiyuk is a luxury rather than a necessity. But history has shown that Kansas City’s front office loves to keep opponents guessing, and they aren’t afraid to make bold moves to stay ahead of the competition.

Reinforcing the Trenches: Draft Priorities

While much of the offseason buzz has centered on the Chiefs’ receiving corps, their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles exposed a more pressing issue: the need to strengthen the offensive and defensive lines.

Philadelphia’s relentless pass rush overwhelmed Kansas City’s offensive line, forcing Mahomes to scramble under constant pressure. This wasn’t the first time the Chiefs’ line struggled on the game’s biggest stage—similar issues arose in their Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the 31st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs have an opportunity to address this weakness. Potential draft targets include:

• Walter Nolen (DT): A powerful interior lineman who could provide an immediate boost to the defensive front.

• Tyler Booker (OT): A standout offensive tackle with the size, strength, and footwork to protect Mahomes’ blindside.

• Aireontae Ersery (OT): Another top-tier tackle prospect who excels in pass protection and run blocking.

• Jonah Savaiinaea (OL): A versatile lineman who can play multiple positions along the offensive front.

Shoring up the trenches would not only improve Mahomes’ protection but also enhance the Chiefs’ run game, creating a more balanced and dynamic offense.

The Travis Kelce Factor: One Last Championship Push?

Travis Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ success, and his connection with Mahomes is legendary. In 2024, Kelce continued to defy Father Time, surpassing Tony Gonzalez’s franchise records for receptions and receiving touchdowns.

However, at age 35, Kelce is approaching the twilight of his career. There’s growing speculation that 2025 could be his “last dance,” and the Chiefs are motivated to give him a championship send-off.

Kelce’s leadership, toughness, and reliability make him irreplaceable, but Kansas City must start planning for the future. Drafting a young tight end to learn under Kelce’s tutelage could be a smart move.

Can the Chiefs Maintain Their Dynasty Status?

Sustaining success in the NFL is notoriously difficult, but the Chiefs have defied the odds by making five Super Bowl appearances in six years. Still, the margin for error is slim, and the competition is fierce.

The AFC is loaded with talent, from Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals to Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills and Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers. To remain at the top, the Chiefs must continue to evolve, adapt, and innovate.

Whether it’s making a splashy trade for Brandon Aiyuk, drafting impact players, or fine-tuning their offensive and defensive schemes, Kansas City’s brain trust is always thinking several steps ahead.

Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Offseason for Kansas City

The 2025 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent memory for the Chiefs. With Patrick Mahomes looking to rebound from a challenging season, Travis Kelce eyeing one last championship push, and the front office weighing potential trades and draft picks, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past decade, it’s this: Never underestimate a Patrick Mahomes-led team. With their winning culture, championship pedigree, and relentless drive, the Kansas City Chiefs are well-positioned to bounce back, make another deep playoff run, and, perhaps, add another Lombardi Trophy to their collection.

For Chiefs Kingdom, the message is clear: The dynasty isn’t done yet.