As the NFL Combine in Indianapolis approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs are already laying the groundwork for a critical offseason.

While much of the attention will focus on draft prospects, head coach Andy Reid made it clear that Kansas City has two major priorities beyond the draft — navigating free agency and evaluating the market for key players.

And one name that continues to surface in league conversations is Travis Etienne.

Mahomes Helps Create Financial Flexibility

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently restructured his contract, reportedly creating around $44 million in cap flexibility for the team.

That move could give Kansas City the financial room needed to pursue key free-agent targets — including potentially adding a dynamic running back.

One player frequently mentioned in recent league rumors is Travis Etienne, currently one of the more explosive runners expected to hit the market.

Etienne Generating Combine Buzz

League insiders say that even before the combine officially begins, Etienne’s name is circulating heavily in NFL circles.

Some reports suggest that rival teams believe the running back could be headed to Kansas City, which may already be influencing how other franchises approach the situation.

Since missing his rookie season in 2021 due to a Lisfranc foot injury, Etienne has proven to be both productive and explosive.

Over the last four seasons he has recorded nine 100-yard rushing games.

For comparison, the Chiefs as a team have produced just seven 100-yard rushing performances during that same span — including only one in the 2025 season.

Adding a back with Etienne’s speed and versatility could significantly strengthen Kansas City’s offense.

The Combine: Where Conversations Begin

According to Reid, the NFL Combine isn’t just about evaluating draft prospects — it’s also one of the biggest networking events in professional football.

“The combine ends up being an area where people talk,” Reid said.
“You’ve got agents, coaches, GMs — everybody together. So people tend to talk, and you hear things.”

While teams cannot officially negotiate with unrestricted free agents until the early negotiation window opens March 9, the combine often serves as the unofficial starting point for offseason discussions.

As Reid put it:

“You keep your ears open and your mouth shut.”

Decisions on Chiefs Free Agents

Kansas City also has important decisions to make regarding its own upcoming free agents.

During combine week, teams are allowed to meet with agents representing players already on their roster.

For the Chiefs, that could include discussions about potential new deals for:

• Safety Bryan Cook
• Running back Kareem Hunt, one of the league’s most reliable short-yardage backs

Keeping key contributors while exploring outside talent will be a delicate balancing act for the front office.

A Busy Offseason Ahead

The combine week itself will still feature the traditional elements fans expect:

• Prospect interviews
• Medical evaluations
• Physical measurements and testing

But behind the scenes, the real work often revolves around roster building for the upcoming season.

Free agency begins before the draft, and Kansas City could face some interesting decisions depending on how the market unfolds.

Last offseason provided a good example when the Chiefs ended up signing free-agent tackle Jaylon Moore before selecting Josh Simmons in the first round.

“You go through it and evaluate where you can spend and what’s out there,” Reid said.
“Free agency is a little bit different animal.”

What It Means for Kansas City

With Patrick Mahomes restructuring his contract and rumors swirling about potential additions, the Chiefs appear ready to aggressively shape their roster.

Whether that includes signing a star running back, retaining key players, or making surprising moves during free agency remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear heading into the combine:

Kansas City’s offseason strategy is already in motion.