Fixing the Chiefs: Rebuilding a Dynasty

The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t broken—but they’re no longer insulated from consequences.

Patrick Mahomes’ injury is a reminder of something the league has quietly been chasing for years: eventually, even dynasties have to confront reality. Kansas City’s margin for error is thinner than it’s been in a decade, the roster is aging in key spots, and the salary cap math that once felt manageable is starting to bite.

This isn’t about panic. It’s about planning.

Fixing the Chiefs means protecting their most valuable asset, rebalancing a top-heavy cap structure, and finding sustainable answers around Mahomes—not just short-term patches. The window is still open, but how Kansas City handles the next 12–24 months will determine whether they stay ahead of the league or finally fall back into the pack.

Let’s break down how to fix the roster—now and for the future.

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Round 1, Pick 12 — David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

With Patrick Mahomes dealing with his first major injury and his cap number continuing to rise, Kansas City’s margin for error has narrowed as we near the post-Travis Kelce and post-Chris Jones era of the dynasty. The Chiefs don’t need splash additions on defense—they need reliable pressure, depth, and cost-controlled upside. Bailey checks all three boxes.

From a scheme perspective, Bailey fits what Steve Spagnuolo values at EDGE despite not having the ideal measurables for the Chiefs’ defense. He plays with consistent effort, understands leverage, and shows the ability to align in multiple spots along the front. Texas Tech used him both on the edge and reduced inside on passing downs, a trait that translates well to Kansas City’s pressure packages. He’s not a one-move rusher; Bailey wins with motor, hand activity, and the ability to counter when initial rush plans stall.