Chiefs' Andy Reid "Hell Bent" on Fixing One Major Issue for Patrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off one of their worst seasons in over a decade. While franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes continued to produce solid numbers, his year ended prematurely after a devastating knee injury.
Mahomes completed 315 of 502 passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 14 games before suffering a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs lost their final three games, finishing 6–11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Since then, Kansas City has made notable roster moves, including trading All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to the backfield. However, the wide receiver position, pass rush, and especially the offensive line remain key concerns heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to NFL Draft insider Todd McShay, head coach Andy Reid is "hell-bent" on addressing the offensive line to better protect his quarterback.
"So I am told again, on really good authority, Andy Reid is hell-bent on figuring out this offensive line and protecting the quarterback who is the epicenter of everything that is success in Kansas City Chiefs, who's coming off of an injury," he said on the latest episode of Todd McShay Show.
Todd McShay on his "What he's hearing show" tonight about the #Chiefs
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) April 20, 2026
- Chiefs have talked to the Cardinals but it seems preliminary nothing more
-"Andy Reid is hell bent on figuring out this offensive line" pic.twitter.com/ca18wRieQX
While the Chiefs' offensive line was serviceable in 2025, Mahomes absorbed 34 sacks last season, the second-highest total of his career, after taking a career-high 36 the year prior. Kansas City also released right tackle Jawaan Taylor this offseason, and although Jaylen Moore is expected to step into a starting role, the depth remains a concern, leaving little margin for error when it comes to Mahomes' protection.
McShay pointed to Spencer Fano as a potential target at No. 9 overall. The Utah lineman, listed at 6-foot-5 and 304 pounds, offers impressive athleticism and burst when moving through gaps. While his pass protection still needs refinement, he showed noticeable improvement in footwork and anchoring during the 2025 season.
"There are some things to clean up here, but Fano brings a combination of physical and mental tools to the table that gives him a ton of upside at the next level. If he can improve his strength by adding some quality bulk to his lean frame and polish his technique, Fano has the potential to be a Pro Bowler at either left or right tackle," Athlon's Luke Easterling wrote about Fano.
Unless prospects like David Bailey or Arvel Reese unexpectedly fall, selecting Fano, widely viewed as one of the top offensive linemen in the class, would be a logical move for Kansas City. With an additional first-round pick and a deep wide receiver class, the Chiefs can address other needs later in the draft.
Related: Chiefs Urged to Draft 11-TD TE as Travis Kelce Replacement
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 7:30 AM.