The Kansas City Chiefs are determined to return to being the dominant team fans expect after a challenging 2025 season, in which they finished 6-11 and missed the NFL playoffs. To achieve this, the franchise already has key dates marked on the calendar-critical for strengthening the roster and addressing their most urgent needs.
NFL Combine – February 23
The Chiefs will travel to Indianapolis to evaluate top NFL Draft prospects. Holding a rare top-10 pick-ninth overall-this selection is crucial for the team to find talent that can immediately contribute. Kansas City has struggled in recent drafts, as only four players from 2023-2025 have started at least 17 career games:
- Wide receiver Xavier Worthy – 26 starts
- Rashee Rice – 20 starts
- Offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia – 17 starts
- Defensive back Chamarri Conner – 33 starts
Free Agency – March 9
Starting at 11 a.m. CT, the Chiefs can legally negotiate with unrestricted free agents. This is the crucial window to retain key players like Dalvin Cook or Isiah Pacheco while ensuring the team stays within the salary cap.
Kansas City is expected to be cautious with spending in free agency, which makes the NFL Draft even more important for reinforcing multiple positions-especially to support Patrick Mahomes and the offense.
These dates will ultimately determine how much impact the young draft prospects or available free agents can have in turning the Chiefs into a playoff-contending team once again.
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