REMARKABLE CHANGES: The significant transformations that the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers have undergone since their last Super Bowl encounter.

When the San Francisco 49ers clashed with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV four years ago, the team rosters bore little resemblance to their current compositions for Super Bowl LVIII.

While head coaches Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers and Andy Reid of the Chiefs remain constants, only a handful of key players remain from the Chiefs’ 31-20 victory in that game, which marked their first Super Bowl win in 50 years.

In an era characterized by roster fluidity from one season to the next, the San Francisco 49ers have impressively retained eight core players: fullback Kyle Juszczyk, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle, defensive end Nick Bosa, linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Arik Armstead, and punter Mitch Wishnowski. Notably, only the latter three have never been selected for a Pro Bowl.

On the other hand, the Chiefs still possess the linchpin of their success, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has guided them to four Super Bowl appearances in five seasons. Mahomes aims to lead Kansas City to its third Super Bowl victory in five years and the franchise’s fourth overall, with the game set for February 11 in Las Vegas.

Alongside Mahomes, the Chiefs have retained three All-Pro performers: tight end Travis Kelce, guard Joe Thuney (currently sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle), and defensive tackle Chris Jones. Additionally, they have kept kicker Harrison Butker, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, tight end Blake Bell, and guard Nick Allegretti.

Let’s delve into the significant roster changes made by each team that have had the most profound impact on their journey to Super Bowl LVIII.

Kansas City Chiefs: Key Additions Since Super Bowl LIV

For the Chiefs, the most notable difference between this season’s team and the one that faced the 49ers four years ago is the defense. Kansas City has completely overhauled its defense under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, now in his fifth season with Andy Reid’s staff.

Chris Jones is the only remaining player from the original Super Bowl team, anchoring the defensive line. The Chiefs have effectively filled the remaining 10 positions around him, primarily through the draft, transforming their defense into one of the NFL’s best.

Nine of the current defensive starters were drafted by the Chiefs over the last four years. Among players with more than five starts this season, only safety Justin Reid and linebacker Drue Tranquill were signed as free agents.

Under Spagnuolo’s guidance, the Chiefs rank second in total defense, second in points allowed, and fourth in pass defense. This season, they have received All-Pro performances from Jones and cornerback Trent McDuffie.