2025 Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart Breakdown: Key Players And Position Battles Ahead Of Week 1

David

4 min read

Post on Sep 05, 2025

4.6

Share

2025 Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart Breakdown: Key Players and Position Battles

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off another successful season (we'll assume a positive outcome for the 2024 season for this projection!), are looking ahead to the 2025 campaign. While much can change between now and then, analyzing the projected depth chart provides valuable insight into potential key players and upcoming position battles. This breakdown considers potential free agency moves, draft picks, and player development. Let's dive into the projected 2025 Chiefs depth chart and what fans can expect.

Quarterback:

• Starter: Patrick Mahomes. Barring the unforeseen, Mahomes remains the undisputed leader of the Chiefs offense. His contract extends well into 2025, solidifying his place at the helm.
• Backup: This position is highly contested. The 2025 Chiefs could see a battle between a potential high draft pick, a seasoned veteran free agent signing, or the development of a current roster player. This is a key area to watch for throughout the 2024 and 2025 off-seasons.

Running Back:

• Starter: The Chiefs' running back situation is fluid. Assuming Isiah Pacheco continues his development, he's likely the starter. However, the team might draft a complement or a potential replacement depending on Pacheco's performance and free agency opportunities.
• Backup: This role is likely to be filled by a committee of players, potentially including a mix of veterans and younger, faster backs.

Wide Receiver:

• Starters: Travis Kelce (assuming he continues playing, which is plausible for his age) will undoubtedly be a starter, but his age might require more frequent substitutions. The other starting receiver will likely depend on player development and the success of the draft. Kadarius Toney and Marquez Valdes-Scantling's performance in 2024 will be crucial in determining their 2025 roles.
• Backups: This will be a competitive group filled with potential rookies, practice squad call-ups and veteran free agent signings depending on the team's overall strategy. The competition for snaps will be intense.

Tight End:

• Starter: While Travis Kelce’s future is always a topic of discussion, for the sake of this projection, we assume he's still the unquestioned TE1.
• Backup: The backup tight end spot will be crucial in giving Kelce rest and offering a versatile option in the passing game and as a blocker. The team will likely continue developing younger tight ends or look for free-agent options to fill this role.

Offensive Line:

• Starters: The offensive line is a constant work in progress. The Chiefs' success often hinges on protecting Mahomes. This position will likely see a mix of returning veterans and new additions through free agency or the draft.
• Backups: Depth is crucial on the offensive line, and the 2025 Chiefs will need robust backups to cover for injuries and provide flexibility in game situations. Look for the team to focus on building both experience and young talent.

Defensive Line:

• Starters: Similar to the offensive line, the defensive line relies on a mix of veteran leadership and developing young players. Key players' performance and health in 2024 will significantly impact this unit in 2025.
• Backups: Building depth on the defensive line is critical to maintain pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. Expect the Chiefs to focus on strong backups who can step in when needed.

Linebacker:

• Starters: The linebacker corps often sees turnover in the NFL. The Chiefs will look to solidify this position with a combination of veteran experience and young, emerging talent.
• Backups: Depth at linebacker is key for special teams and providing support to the starting unit.

Secondary (Cornerback and Safety):

• Starters: This area will depend heavily on player performance and free agency decisions. The Chiefs’ secondary will likely see a mix of established players and newer acquisitions.
• Backups: Injuries are common in the secondary, so having capable backups is paramount. The 2025 Chiefs will need a strong group of players ready to contribute.

Special Teams:

This unit will depend on the performance of players at various positions, particularly return specialists and kickers. The Chiefs will strive for consistency and reliability in this crucial aspect of the game.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Kansas City Chiefs depth chart presents a compelling mix of established stars and potential breakout players. The upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining the final lineup, with key position battles shaping the team's overall success. Keep an eye on the draft, free agency, and player development throughout 2024 and 2025 to see how this projected depth chart evolves. What are your predictions for the 2025 Chiefs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!