As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Patrick Mahomes is more than just a player preparing for the season. His involvement with the Kansas City Chiefs extends into crucial roster discussions.
Many wonder how much influence Mahomes actually has over personnel decisions.
According to former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms, Mahomes‘ voice carries significant weight within the organization.
“I’ve been there in Kansas City; they ask him about everything because they know he’s working and involved,” Simms shared on his Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast.
He added, “Hey, what do you think about the draft? ‘Oh, I’ve looked at some film; I know some receivers that you-that I like.’ I was there on a day when it was cut day once, and I was about to interview him, and they (Chiefs officials) were like, ‘Hold on, he’s in the meeting with Andy Reid and Brett Veach talking about who’s going to make the team and who’s not.'”
Mahomes’ role in team operations
Since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2017, Mahomes has been deeply engaged in team activities. From offseason workouts to training camps, he is consistently present in the decision-making process.
This level of involvement has led to speculation about his influence over the Chiefs‘ front office. However, Mahomes has often downplayed his role in roster decisions.
In 2021, following the Chiefs‘ loss in Super Bowl LV, Mahomes faced questions about the team’s future. Despite his lucrative contract worth over $450 million, he maintained that he does not dictate roster moves.
“To me, I just go out there and play,” Patrick Mahomes stated in a February 2021 interview. “But at the end of the day, we have a great staff of guys that really scout and that really look at players, starting with Brett Veach but going all the way down.”
The impact of Mahomes’ insights
Despite his insistence that he is not a decision-maker, it is hard to imagine that the Chiefs would not seek his input on offensive strategies.
With three Super Bowl titles and two NFL MVP awards under his belt, Mahomes has established himself as a key figure in the franchise. His impressive stats include 35,939 passing yards, 267 touchdowns, and 85 interceptions.
In 2023, the Chiefs needed to address their wide receiver position after losing Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster. They drafted Rashee Rice, who Mahomes reportedly endorsed.
“Pat worked out with this guy and threw with him in Dallas, and he said, ‘I want this guy and get him,'” Lefkoe said on B/R Gridiron.
This highlights the dynamic between Mahomes and the Chiefs front office. As the team looks ahead, his continued influence may shape their future decisions.
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