SerpApi.Org
Derek Carr sees one clear danger for the Kansas City Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes prepares to return. During a Sports Radio 810 appearance, the retired Pro Bowl quarterback said the Chiefs must keep Mahomes away from constant pressure if they want another long playoff run.
Carr discussed what could make the offense harder to stop in 2026. Recent practice clips showed Mahomes taking snaps under center, handing off, and using play action, which can slow defenders and create more time in the pocket.
“Every clip I’ve seen of the Chiefs so far, he’s been under center, handing the ball off… if they start doing this, everybody better watch out because you give him time and protection like that. He’s unbelievable. He’s accurate,” Carr said.
Defenders sacked Mahomes 34 times in 14 games last season. Better blocking and a strong running game could give him more time and make it harder for defenders to reach him. With a clean pocket, Mahomes can study the defense and make the throws that Carr praised.
“If you protect him, you should be in the AFC Championship fight and go to the Super Bowl every year,” Carr said in a clip shared by Sports Radio 810 on X.
Mahomes has helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls and earned the Super Bowl MVP award three times. He has also won two NFL MVP awards and made six Pro Bowls.
With Mahomes as the starting quarterback, the Chiefs reached the AFC Championship Game seven times and won five of them.
In 2025, Mahomes recorded 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also ran for a career-high 422 yards and five touchdowns.
Carr believes a better running game and stronger protection would give Mahomes more time to throw. That would allow him to stay in the pocket and make plays rather than running from defenders.
Following the release of longtime right tackle Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City reshaped its offensive front, locking in Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith as the core while bringing back veteran Mike Caliendo.
The only spot still up for grabs is right tackle, where Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole, and Kahlil Benson are battling for the starting job. It’s a revamped front built with one priority in mind: keeping Mahomes protected.
The Chiefs can begin following Carr’s advice in training camp by slowly bringing Mahomes back to full-speed practice while keeping him safe.
Chiefs face a careful test as Mahomes returns to team drills
Patrick Mahomes reports to St. Joseph, Missouri, on Friday for the next stage of recovery. He is seven months removed from tearing his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14 and having surgery the next day.
Mahomes joined individual and 7-on-7 drills in the spring, but Kansas City kept him out of 11-on-11 workouts as per reports.
“There’s an expectation among Chiefs people that Mahomes will be fully cleared this week, and also the knowledge that when they tell him he can go, he will really go,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote
Full clearance will bring defenders near Mahomes’ feet and test his trust in the repaired knee. Andy Reid’s tough training camp will give Mahomes useful practice, but the Chiefs must slowly increase how much work he does.
“So the plan is to be smart with it, and make sure everyone is doing what’s going to put him in the best position to be at his best from September through February, not just ready for Week 1,” Breer added.
What do you think? Can the Chiefs help Mahomes get back to his best without allowing defenders to put too much pressure on him? Let us know in the comments!