Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Chiefs Reject Tanking Talk as Mahomes’ Season Ends and Draft Stakes Grow

Kansas City enters its first Mahomes-era postseason absence with leaders prioritizing standards over draft calculus.

Overview

  • Patrick Mahomes is out for the season after surgery on two torn ligaments in his left knee, confirming the end of the Chiefs’ playoff streak.
  • Coaches Steve Spagnuolo, Matt Nagy and Dave Toub said the team will play to win over the final three games rather than chase draft position.
  • Defensive tackle Chris Jones echoed the message, framing the stretch run as a chance to finish strong and carry momentum into next season.
  • Analyses indicate the difference between finishing 9-8 or 6-11 could shift Kansas City roughly half a dozen spots in each draft round.
  • Kansas City has not picked inside the top 10 since 2013 and currently projects near the middle of Round 1, with needs at running back, edge, linebacker and the secondary.