Coming off ACL and LCL surgery, Patrick Mahomes’ health seems to be central to the Kansas City Chiefs to make their comeback.

 During an appearance on Get Up on Monday, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky talked about how the Chiefs' draft picks can have an impact, but not without Mahomes.

” I think if they get that player because of all that defensive reestablishment or added pieces, this is going to be a team that, as long as Patrick's healthy, is right back where we expect him to be. “

After the last season, ranking third in the AFC west The Chiefs wish to take no risk in this season. Offensive coach Eric Bieniemy adds structure to the offense, while defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo boosts the defense with new additions. And, these moves lessen Patrick Mahomes’ burden.

But Orlovsky wanted the Chiefs to focus on getting Mahomes help for the next season. He sparked concern by pointing out a dangerous imbalance in the team's roster construction.

“A defensive tackle, an edge, and a speed edge in R. Mason Thomas at Oklahoma, and then getting a guy that they've compared to the Honey Badger-like qualities, Jadon Canady of Oregon. To do all this and not address offensive line, tight end, or wide receiver in a world where we're like, they gotta get Mahomes help.”

The alarming reality, as per Orlovsky, is that the Chiefs are banking entirely on a healthy Mahomes to mask a roster that still lacks top-tier offensive depth. Mahomes returns from ACL and LCL injuries suffered last December, so the focus should be on limiting pressure plays. 

The Chiefs did add some options to the offense, but will they be enough?

Who Else Chiefs Added to Support Mahomes

With concerns around Patrick Mahomes and his knee, the team has decided to think ahead rather than react later.

The Chiefs selected Garrett Nussmeier from LSU in the seventh round, 249th overall pick in the  Draft. Mahomes is still the clear leader, but the front office wants to protect the season from any sudden problems.

Nussmeier comes from a pro-style system and is known for his accuracy and smart decisions. He completed last season with 1,927 passing yards, and out of 288 passing attempts, 194 were completed, while not performing to his ability because of a spinal cyst. But when he was healthy, he recorded 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024.

The Chiefs also acquired QB Justin Fields from the New York Jets for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, and he is already in the Chiefs as Mahomes' backup. Last season with the Jets, Fields had 1,259 passing yards with seven touchdowns and an interception, making it clear his ability to manage when needed.

This gives Mahomes time to return without pressure. Even if Fields starts a few games, the team stays stable.

What do you think, with so many new additions, will Mahomes be able to continue his high-performing impact?

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi