Chiefs’ League Ranking in Roster Age is Revealing

Kansas City will look a lot different in 2026, as the team enters a new iteration in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates with wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) after the win over the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs are entering an interesting time in their timeline, as the organization has been accustomed to competing for Super Bowls for nearly the last decade, but that came to a screeching halt this past season.

In addition to missing the playoffs with a 6-11 record, the Chiefs also lost Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending torn ACL, and the effects of that could carry over into next season. The 30-year-old quarterback is taking the rehab approach seriously, but he could still miss the first few weeks of the 2026 season.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

If last season taught us anything, it was that this Chiefs' roster is not as close as it was perceived to be. The wear and tear of multiple Super Bowl appearances took a physical and mental toll on this team, and it was apparent in Kansas City's 1-9 record in one-score games.

The Chiefs' shortcomings in 2025 provided a harsh reality for the front office to acknowledge: This roster needs to be rebuilt. Evidently, Kansas City released Jawaan Taylor and Mike Danna before trading two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.

Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) and cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) tackle Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Those moves have reshaped the roster, and according to Spotrac, the Chiefs are one of the youngest rosters in the league

Kansas City Ranked as Fourth-Youngest Roster in the NFL

Youngest/Oldest NFL rosters at the moment via Spotrac

YOUNGEST
1. Titans
2. Jets
3. Dolphins
4. Chiefs
5. Lions

OLDEST
1. 49ers
2. Commanders
3. Broncos
4. Falcons
5. Saints

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 7, 2026

This is somewhat surprising considering that Mahomes (30), Chris Jones (32), and Travis Kelce (36) have been on the roster for the entirety of this dynastic run. However, Kelce is technically not on the roster, as he is currently not under contract. Assessing the rest of the depth chart, there are several position groups littered with young players.

Offensive Line

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) celebrate a touchdown carry by running back Kareem Hunt (29) (center) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

• LT: Josh Simmons (23)

• LG: Kingsley Suamataia (23)

• C: Creed Humphrey (26)

• RG: Trey Smith (26)

• RT: Jaylon Moore (28)

Kansas City's starting offensive line does not feature a single player over 28 years old; the average age is 25.2 years. That number could be lower if the Chiefs take an offensive tackle and start that player over Moore at right tackle.

Wide Receiver

Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

• WR1: Rashee Rice (25)

• WR2: Xavier Worthy (22)

• WR3: Jalen Royals (23)

This depth chart will be updated as the offseason progresses, so there will be alterations, but the average age is 23.3 years. In a draft class that provides a plethora of options at the position, the Chiefs' age at wide receiver could look very similar next season.

Overall Thoughts

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kansas City has other positions, including secondary, which is currently occupied by several young and mostly unproven players who need to develop into regular starters in 2026. This is also the mold that the Chiefs need to adopt, with Mahomes entering the second phase of his career and Jones nearing the end of his career. The next chapter of the Mahomes era will feature surrounding the three-time Super Bowl MVP almost exclusively with younger players.