(Saint Joseph) Patrick Mahomes arrived at training camp with the mentality that he and the rest of the Chiefs need to be even better in 2023, if they want to stay at the top of the NFL.

“You have to keep growing,” said Mahomes, who won his second Lombardi Trophy in February.

“We won the Super Bowl and it was amazing, but we still have a lot of young players. »

“We want to keep improving. In the American, it seems like every team has improved. »

Tuesday marked the arrival of quarterbacks and rookies at Missouri Western State University.

With wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman leaving as free agents, Mahomes needs to connect with young wide ends like Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice.

“A quarterback’s job is never done,” coach Andy Reid said. It’s like being a farmer: you always have to roll up your sleeves. We always try to bring him new challenges. It motivates him a lot. »

The ability to challenge his players is what sets Reid apart, according to Mahomes.

“Ask Travis (Kelce), Chris Jones, those guys, they’re going to be okay,” Mahomes said. He does not let you be satisfied with where you are. »

With days to go at V-Camp, Reid wasn’t sure if Jones, a key defensive end, was going to be there when expected.

“I don’t know,” said Reid, who has led Kansas City since 2013. “We communicate, that’s what matters. You just have to wait. »

Jones had 15½ sacks last year, finishing third in the NFL in sacks.

He’s slated to make $19.5 million this season, but wants a contract extension.