The Kansas City Chiefs were shut down by the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football this past week, and it’s led many to wonder whether the Chiefs need to add a player or two to be a real Super Bowl contender.

Kansas City’s offense had been rolling behind running back Kenneth Walker III so far in 2026. But when Seattle limited Walker, the Chiefs didn’t have answers in the passing game.

A former NFL quarterback believes it’s because Kansas City doesn’t have enough talent around Mahomes to manufacture a strong passing game.

Chris Simms Calls Out Chiefs For Patrick Mahomes’ Lack of Weapons

After the Seahawks completely shut down the Chiefs’ offense, NBC Sports’ Chris Simms thinks Seattle revealed a shortcoming in Kansas City’s offense.

“They’re doing a disservice right now to Mahomes, in my opinion, with some of the pass catchers they got there surrounding him right now,” Simms said.

The Chiefs do not currently have a receiver ranked in the top 50 in the NFL, according to PFN’s WR Impact Rankings. Xavier Worthy is their top-rated receiver at No. 63.

However, Travis Kelce is currently ranked No. 3 among all tight ends in the league, per PFN’s TE Impact Rankings.

But that feels like it’s been the story of the Chiefs since Tyreek Hill’s departure. Kansas City has made do with whatever receivers it has each year to go along with the Mahomes and Kelce duo.

Rashee Rice has produced when available, but a hamstring/knee injury has kept him out of Kansas City’s past two games. Tyquan Thornton has shown flashes, but he’s now out due to injury as well.

“Sunday night was the first time that somebody stopped the run that actually showed us, that put a spotlight on, ‘I don’t know if their pass game is good enough to hold down the fort if somebody slows them down that way.’ I think that’s what they’re probably talking about behind the scenes a little bit there, too,” Simms added.

“I’m not saying anything crazy. There was moments in that game the other night where you felt like, man, the Chiefs are getting outclassed to a degree.”

Sunday night was the Chiefs’ first loss of the season, but sometimes that is what teams need to figure out how to get to the next level.

With the trade deadline looming and some big deals already done, the Chiefs have an opportunity to add a piece they believe can take them to the next level.

The Seahawks have already strengthened their roster by adding Quenton Nelson, while the Chicago Bears landed Jeffery Simmons and the San Francisco 49ers brought back DeForest Buckner. As for Kansas City, receivers such as Josh Downs and Brian Thomas Jr. could emerge as potential trade targets if the Chiefs decide to upgrade their passing attack.