The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot to do if they really want to move past the horrors of Super Bowl LIX. First, they have to go back on the drawing board and see where they stand. Of course, it will not be easy to pull off another 3-peat attempt. And probably it will never happen. But at least the Chiefs can try and trace a path to another Super Bowl trip come 2025. However, for that 4th consecutive Super Bowl berth to come true, what they do this offseason will play a huge role. Starting with the free agency market that opens in a few weeks, the Chiefs could probably have a huge decision to make on one of their star defensive player.

Here’s the thing: Safety Justin Reid’s three-year, $31.50M contract with the Chiefs will end in a few days. And considering the Chiefs are yet to make a move to re-sign him, he is almost certain to enter free agency. Maybe that’s why he took to X today to post something that might continue to motivate him on the prospect that a new deal might be forthcoming. “Felt like spreading a little Sunday Motivation for all the grinders out there 💪🏾.” Like reading through the lines of his motivation post, you could probably say it’s related to his contractual situation in KC. Because this is not the first time, Reid wrote on X indicating his desire to continue playing for the Chiefs.

After his defense got humiliated under the lights of New Orleans, Reid expressed his desire to re-sign with the Chiefs. “I love Kansas City, I pray this isn’t the end, but if it is. I just want to say that I love and appreciate every single one of you that welcomed me and supported my family here. You are in my heart forever.” See, the Chiefs actually can’t find a flaw in Reid’s time playing for their defense. For three seasons, he has continued to impress as the last man standing in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

265 total tackles in just 49 starts with the Chiefs while adding 3 INTs and 4 sacks. Clearly, losing Justin Reid would be a huge blow to the Chiefs’ ambition in returning to the Super Bowl. Surely, they won’t allow a player of Justin Reid’s caliber to walk free without even trying to strike a deal. Well, only time will tell whether the Chiefs do re-sign Reid before the free agency market opens in the next few weeks.

And while we wait for them to retain their star defensive player. It seems the Chiefs have already dished out their verdict to someone on the other side of the ball.

Isiah Pacheco counting his last days as a Chief

One too many injuries might have pushed Isiah Pacheco to the chopping block. Since getting picked in the seventh round by the Chiefs in 2022, Pacheco has suffered injuries like torn labrum, broken hand, fractured fibula, rib injuries and concussions. Only in 2022, Pacheco played in all 17 games, rushing for 830 yards on 170 carries.

His best year came in 2023, when Pacheco rushed for 935 yards in just 14 games. Up until 2024, it looked like the Chiefs actually struck gold finding Pacheco in the backend of the 2022 draft. However, last season he only played 7 games, spending 10 in injury reserves.

Most importantly, his playoff production was absolutely dreadful. Pacheco only rushed for 37 yards on 13 carries. His presence in the running game was almost non-existent. Maybe that’s why the Chiefs aren’t too willing to give him another year or a contract. Yes, there is the option of franchise tagging him.

But are they really willing to take a gamble on an injury-prone player? Because no matter what the Chiefs do, they can’t afford to make any mistakes. They really want to get this revenge tour to the Super Bowl next season up and running, but Pacheco may not be a part of it. His time with the Chiefs could well be over and a new chapter could be waiting for him elsewhere.