Booger McFarland Highlights Offseason Needs for Kansas City Chiefs

ESPN analyst outlines key areas Chiefs must address to return to playoffs

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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ESPN analyst Booger McFarland discussed the key offseason needs for the Kansas City Chiefs, who missed the playoffs in 2025 and are facing uncertainty around star quarterback Patrick Mahomes' recovery from a torn ACL. McFarland emphasized the need for the Chiefs to add more pass-catching weapons, improve their offensive line protection, and find more explosive playmakers on offense to support Mahomes when he returns.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have been one of the NFL's elite teams for the past decade, making the playoffs every year since 2014. However, their surprising 6-11 record in 2025 and Mahomes' injury have raised questions about their ability to remain a contender in the tough AFC West division, where the Broncos and Chargers have improved. Addressing these key roster needs will be crucial for the Chiefs to get back to the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl.

The details

McFarland highlighted three main areas the Chiefs need to address this offseason: adding more pass-catching weapons, improving the offensive line to protect Mahomes, and finding more explosive playmakers on offense. The Chiefs lacked consistent production from their wide receivers in 2025, with no player reaching 600 receiving yards. Their running game was also disappointing, with Kareem Hunt leading the team with just 611 rushing yards. With Mahomes likely to miss the start of the 2026 season, the Chiefs will need to build a stronger supporting cast around him when he returns.

  • The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 in the 2025 season.
  • Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL late in the 2025 regular season and is expected to miss part of the 2026 season.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback, a two-time NFL MVP, who is recovering from a torn ACL injury.

Booger McFarland

An ESPN analyst who outlined the Chiefs' key offseason needs on SportsCenter.

Kareem Hunt

The Chiefs' veteran running back who led the team with 611 rushing yards in 2025.

Travis Kelce

The Chiefs' Pro Bowl tight end who led the team with 851 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025.

Andy Reid

The Chiefs' head coach, who is entering his 14th season with the team.

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What they’re saying

“They've got to get some pass catchers number one. Number two, from an offensive line standpoint, you've got Patrick Mahomes coming off a Torn ACL. They're gonna have to protect him. I get they have a couple of guys accounting for $50 million in cap space, but they need to add some more protection up front for Mahomes. But, the biggest issue is once you protect (Mahomes), this offense has kind of been stagnant. They've got to get more explosive.”

— Booger McFarland, ESPN Analyst (SportsCenter)

“My sources in Miami tell me Tyreek Hill is not gonna be ready this season. If he is, at all, it'll be the last month of the season. I'd look outside of Tyreek Hill and find some explosiveness. Get more explosive on the offensive side of the football, protect Patrick Mahomes, and add to the pass rush. That should be the priority.”

— Booger McFarland, ESPN Analyst (SportsCenter)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to address their roster needs through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft in order to build a stronger supporting cast around Patrick Mahomes when he returns from injury.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' surprising 2025 season and Mahomes' injury have exposed some significant weaknesses on their roster that they must address this offseason. Improving the offensive weapons, offensive line, and overall explosiveness on offense will be crucial for the Chiefs to regain their status as an AFC contender and Super Bowl threat.