Patrick Mahomes hit with stark warning as Chiefs dynasty hangs by a thread after 2025 collapse

The Kansas City Chiefs reached dynasty status in 2023 thanks to Patrick Mahomes guiding them to their third Super Bowl win in five years.

However, questions surfaced about whether the dominant era has ended after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Chiefs (6-11) missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

The offseason brings significant uncertainty, especially around Mahomes, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Dec. 14.

Kansas City saw its season go from bad to worse when Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL. With his recovery timeline unclear, there are legitimate questions about whether he’ll be ready for Week 1.

Sports Illustrated’s Fernando Alfaro-Donis issued a warning on Sunday, He suggested that the Chiefs’ dynasty could be in serious jeopardy if Mahomes doesn’t return to elite form.

The reporter added that the team is looking to recapture past success by rehiring Eric Bieniemy as its offensive coordinator. The move could stabilize the offense, but only if Mahomes returns to full strength.

“While Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense weren’t their biggest problem last season, his production has been declining ever since Bieniemy left.” Alfaro-Donis wrote. “Their passing game wasn’t particularly impressive in 2025.

“It oftentimes felt like their offense fell entirely on the shoulders of Mahomes and his playmaking skills outside of structure. … The success of the Chiefs falls on whether Mahomes’ injury doesn’t hinder him too much. They’re making the right moves to bolster their roster and coaching staff, but if he isn’t up to speed, the Chiefs’ dynasty as we know it may be over.”

Mahomes rehab process is projected to last around nine months, potentially keeping him off the field for the beginning of the 2026 campaign. The quarterback has remained in Kansas City this offseason, rehabbing at the team’s facility under the supervision of the Chiefs’ medical staff.

HC Andy Reid reveals Patrick Mahomes is working hard to return for 2026

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid hinted that Patrick Mahomes’ dedication to his rehab could allow him to return early in 2026.

“He’s around here (team’s facility) all the time, spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day,” Reid said to reporters on Friday. “He’s cranking away, making progress every day, it’s great to see. He and (Chiefs assistant athletic trainer) Julie (Frymyer), she grinds on him and makes sure that he stays on task and challenges him, and he keeps showing up.

“He keeps showing up, so that’s about half the battle on these things when you have these injuries that you show up, and it’s not going to be a pleasant thing every day. You have to fight through it, and you have to attack the challenge of the workout and rehab. He’s doing a great job of that.”

Reid added that Mahomes has made impressive strides in his recovery since his knee surgery. Mahomes has also said that he’s focused on being ready for Week 1.

The two-time MVP finished the 2025 season with 315 completed passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games. He added 422 rushing yards and five touchdowns.