Mauga back in K.C.

A month after signing a three-year contract as a reward for a stellar 2014 season, Josh Mauga returned to Kansas City last week for voluntary offseason workouts.

Mauga, who led the team in tackles after taking over a starting linebacker role because of injury, and most of the Chiefs participated in Phase 1 of the team’s offseason workouts where players focus on strength and conditioning.

Mauga was pleased to return to football mode.

“It feels great to be back at it again,” Mauga said. “The first week went awesome with seeing coaches and players again.”

The first set of mandatory practices arrives in June, but Mauga said the team is looking forward to improving from last year’s finish. Although they knocked off both of last year’s Super Bowl’s participants, the Chiefs didn’t make the playoffs.

“Everyone around the organization is very positive and motivated to getting better and having a great year,” Mauga said.

Kansas City will have its work cut out this upcoming season if it wants to return to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. Along with playing their AFC West opponents twice, the Chiefs will take on the NFC and AFC North divisions. Three of the first four games are on the road including stops in Houston, Green Bay and Cincinnati. Kansas City hosts Denver in its home opener.

But one game that sticks out to Mauga will be a first for him and many others. The Chiefs will take on the Lions in London on Nov. 1.

“I haven’t looked at the schedule yet, but I do know we are playing in London this year and can’t wait for that opportunity,” Mauga said.

While Mauga and the Chiefs held offseason workouts, the club is in the midst of the NFL Draft, which resumes today in Chicago.

Kansas City had the 18th pick in Thursday’s first round and have the 49th, 80th and 98th overall picks in today’s second and third rounds, respectively.

The Chiefs end the draft with the 118th, 172nd, 173rd, 193rd, 217th and 233rd picks.