The Kansas City Chiefs envisioned history: a third Lombardi Trophy hoisted high, confetti raining as Patrick Mahomes grinned. But Super Bowl LIX flipped the script. A 40-22 drubbing by the Eagles left Arrowhead heartbroken. The dynasty’s pause button hit. Yet, while the sting lingers, Andy Reid’s squad isn’t sulking. Behind the scenes, the Chiefs are reloading—making moves to rebuild their throne.

On February 11, Kansas City announced 11 reserve/future signings, securing depth for next season. Per NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the list includes WRs Tyquan Thornton and Justyn Ross, DT Siaki Ika, and QB Chris Oladokun. These deals—ironclad until March—let the Chiefs retain hidden gems.

“This is a pretty strong group of reserve/future signings. Fans will likely recognize recent contributors like Ross and Bush, but there is a ton of untapped potential,” noted Michael Obermuller. Translation: Kansas City’s scouting team is betting big on development. Ika, a former Browns third-rounder, headlines the signings. At 6’3”, 335 lbs, he’s a “girthy interior force,” per draft expert Lance Zierlein. With KC’s D-line depth thinning, Ika could slot into the rotation. His power vs. the run?

Exactly what Steve Spagnuolo and Andy Reid crave. Thornton—a Patriots second-round bust—flashed 4.28 speed in limited snaps. With Marquise Brown likely exiting, Thornton’s stretch potential intrigues. He snagged four catches for 47 yards in 2024. Not stellar, but Andy Reid’s system thrives on reinvention. Meanwhile, Jason Brownlee, cut by the Jets in 2023, joined the Chiefs‘ practice squad in January.

At 6’3”, he’s a red-zone threat. With Rashee Rice rehabbing a knee injury, Brownlee could surprise. Oladokun, Patrick Mahomes’ understudy since 2022, might duel a vet for QB2 if Carson Wentz leaves. Meanwhile, Nigerian OT Chukwuebuka Godrick—an International Pathway Program product—returns. At 6’5”, he’s raw but improving. However, it’s not just about the entrants.

DeAndre Hopkins deletes retirement message

“Don’t know what you heard but I’m not done yet.” Hopkins stirred drama Tuesday, posting then deleting this tweet. A fake Adam Schefter account had falsely claimed his retirement. The 32-year-old WR, who tallied 41 catches for 437 yards in KC, clarified: he’s chasing another ring. But where?

Despite a quiet Super Bowl (2 catches, 18 yards, 1 TD), Hopkins’ résumé glitters: five Pro Bowls, 12,965 career yards. Yet, KC’s WR room faces upheaval. Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman are free agents. Hopkins’ $12M price tag?

Likely too steep. “Forever grateful to be part of the Chiefs organization, Didn’t complete the mission or play my best game but that’s life,” Hopkins tweeted post-Super Bowl. But his future perhaps lies elsewhere. Houston—where he’s second in franchise receiving stats—looms as a fit. Since the Texans need vet help after Tank Dell’s injury.

List of latest reserve/future contracts:

• QB Chris Oladokun (reserve/futures)
• WR Jason Brownlee (reserve/futures)
• WR Justyn Ross (reserve/futures)
• WR Tyquan Thornton (reserve/futures)
• TE Baylor Cupp (reserve/futures)
• OT Chukwuebuka Jason Godrick (reserve/futures)
• DT Siaki Ika (reserve/futures)
• DT Fabien Lovett Sr. (reserve/futures)
• DB Deon Bush (reserve/futures)
• DB Darius Rush (reserve/futures)
• DB Eric Scott Jr. (reserve/futures)

Kansas City’s 11 signings reveal a strategy: mine undervalued talent, coach them up. For Hopkins, free agency beckons. Can he revive his career like Julio Jones or fade like Antonio Brown? Meanwhile, Reid’s three-peat dream? It’s on pause, not canceled. As Mahomes said post-game, “We’ll be back.” But with whom? And will Hopkins be part of the answer? That’s the question looming large right now.