“They don’t need to blow this thing up at all.” ✍️
Alex Smith on how the Chiefs need to rebuild after missing the postseason for the first time since 2014 🏈 pic.twitter.com/Qm2hZkBvwH
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 21, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs‘ playoff absence has everyone, including former players, talking about the team’s future. During ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, recently former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith shared his thoughts on a potential roster rebuild.
“This is a minor little facelift thing. This isn’t a bunch of work they’re going to have to do. They don’t need to blow this thing up at all,” said Smith, “They’ve invested a ton into this young offensive line. And obviously, the key thing here is obviously Patrick (Mahomes), right? 30 years old. This guy has several years [left] still in his prime. Gonna come back. I think they keep this thing together. I think there are going to be some changes, though, right? There are some aging pieces on that roster that I think they’re going to have to do.”
Smith earned three Pro Bowl appearances in Kansas City and was a valued mentor for Patrick Mahomes during his rookie season.
“The thing for me that I think’s really been missing, especially from them offensively, and I just think back to signature Andy Reid offense, even going back to Philly, Brian Westbrook,” said Smith. “This receiving threat running back out of the backfield. A guy you can get in a matchup. When (Reid) came to Kansas City, Jamaal Charles, right? This guy was unstoppable. You could get him on linebackers, obviously, dynamic. He could be explosive. They just haven’t had that element there.”
The Chiefs’ front office will be busy this offseason evaluating a roster that will require changes to compete in seasons to come.