The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 season looking to bounce back after a tough year. As training camp gets closer, the team will need more from players beyond its biggest stars. 

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will still be the biggest names on the team, but the next group of players will have a chance to take on bigger roles in 2026.

These players may not have Pro Bowl recognition yet, but their roles could become important as Kansas City looks for more production across the roster.

According to Justin Churchill of A to Z Sports, here are the three non-Pro Bowl Chiefs stars who could shape the team’s season.

Josh Simmons (left tackle)

Josh Simmons will be a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive line in 2026 after starting all eight games he played in 2025 and earning Kansas City’s trust at left tackle. 

The left tackle spot is important because it protects Mahomes’ blind side and gives him more time to make plays. Simmons has shown he can handle the role, but the challenge will be staying consistent through a full 17-game season.

If Simmons can keep improving, Kansas City could have more stability on the offensive line and better protection for Mahomes.

Xavier Worthy (wide receiver) 

Xavier Worthy enters 2026 with a chance to become a bigger part of the Chiefs’ offense. After a difficult second season, he finished 2025 with 42 catches for 532 yards and one touchdown. His speed still gives him a big advantage, but he will need to be more consistent. 

Worthy is the fastest player ever recorded at the NFL Scouting Combine, and Kansas City will need him to use that speed to create more plays. With Rashee Rice missing OTAs and minicamp, Worthy could get more chances to take on a bigger role in the passing game. 

Travis Kelce will remain Mahomes’ trusted target, but the Chiefs need another receiver to take on a bigger role. For Worthy, creating separation and making the most of his chances will be key if he wants to become a bigger part of the offense. 

George Karlaftis (defensive end) 

George Karlaftis enters 2026 looking to bring back his 2023 form on defense, when he recorded 10.5 sacks and 47 tackles. His sack numbers dropped to six in 2025, but he still finished last season with 48 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits. 

Even with fewer sacks, Karlaftis continued to create pressure on quarterbacks. The Chiefs will need him to finish more of those chances and bring more plays from the edge in 2026. 

Karlaftis has already shown he can make plays on defense, and Kansas City will be counting on him to take another step this season. 

With Mahomes and Kelce still playing a big role for the Chiefs, the next step for Kansas City in 2026 could come from its non-Pro Bowl players, whose performance could shape the team’s season.

Do you think these non-Pro Bowl players can make a bigger difference for the Chiefs in 2026? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj