Could This Oregon Linebacker Be Mahomes’ Secret Weapon on Defense? Chiefs Think So!

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for another championship push, it’s clear they aren’t just focused on stacking weapons for Patrick Mahomes on offense. According to multiple reports, the Chiefs have zeroed in on Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa — a rising defensive star who could quietly become Mahomes’ best friend on the other side of the ball.

Bassa, who thrived under Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, has built a reputation as a dynamic, sideline-to-sideline defender with instincts that can’t be taught. His quickness, ability to diagnose plays, and hard-hitting tackles have drawn comparisons to current Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton — a core piece of Kansas City’s championship defense.

While Mahomes often grabs headlines for his dazzling offensive feats, Chiefs leadership knows that championship runs are built just as much on defense. Adding a versatile playmaker like Bassa would give Kansas City the kind of defensive flexibility needed to combat today’s high-powered AFC offenses. Scouts have praised Bassa’s coverage skills in particular, an area where the Chiefs have looked to get younger and faster.

Under Lanning’s tutelage, Bassa became not just a physical force, but a locker room leader — exactly the kind of character fit the Chiefs covet. With Mahomes and Reid setting a high bar for team culture, Bassa’s reputation as a hardworking, no-nonsense player only strengthens his appeal.

The Chiefs’ interest in Bassa signals a broader strategy: build a defense that can match Mahomes’ brilliance with key stops in critical moments. If Bassa lands in Kansas City, he won’t just be another draft pick — he could be the secret weapon that gives Mahomes even more opportunities to shine.

As the draft approaches, Chiefs Kingdom is watching closely. Could Jeffrey Bassa be the latest under-the-radar move that keeps Kansas City on top? Stay tuned — this might be a defensive addition that changes everything.