KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following a season wherein the Chiefs went by 4 left tackles and allowed Patrick Mahomes to be sacked six occasions of their Tremendous Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, there’s little doubt about the place the group’s priorities lie because it prepares for this yr’s scouting mix.
The Chiefs shall be trying to repair their offensive line, significantly to discover a participant who could be a reliable left deal with. Kansas Metropolis has gone by a number of gamers since releasing longtime left deal with Eric Fisher after the 2020 season.
Orlando Brown Jr. occupied the spot for 2 years earlier than changing into a free agent and signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Donovan Smith was their left deal with in 2023 however was out of the NFL final season.
The Chiefs tried two younger gamers, Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris, at left deal with in 2024 however every performed so poorly they have been subsequently benched. The group tried veteran D.J. Humphries, however he wasn’t the reply.
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They ultimately moved guard Joe Thuney to left deal with however at all times checked out him as a stopgap, not a everlasting resolution. It is also unlikely they’ve subsequent yr’s beginning left deal with on their roster. Suamataia was taking part in guard when he resurfaced within the lineup late within the season. Morris could not have a future with the Chiefs at any place. Humphries is a possible free agent.
The Chiefs have the No. 31 choose of the 2025 draft and should not discover a appropriate obtainable deal with in a yr when the draft is not well-stocked on the place. They’ve run into that downside in recent times and wound up drafting Suamataia within the second spherical final yr and Morris within the third spherical in 2023.
Normal supervisor Brett Veach has stated he does not count on the Chiefs to be significantly energetic in free company this season past makes an attempt to signal a few of their very own potential free brokers, an inventory that features guard Trey Smith, huge receiver Hollywood Brown, linebacker Nick Bolton and security Justin Reid.
If the Chiefs are spectators throughout free company, their roster enchancment will come from rookies. That is why Veach guarded the Chiefs’ draft picks within the first three rounds slightly than sending them off in commerce for gamers who may have helped them final season.
Kansas Metropolis has 4 picks within the first three rounds on this yr’s draft, together with an additional third-rounder from the Tennessee Titans after final yr’s commerce that despatched cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee.
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Elsewhere, the Chiefs will doubtless be in search of assistance on the defensive position. They will convey again Chris Jones, Mike Danna and former first-round draft picks George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah however may lose Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Wharton to free company.
Kansas Metropolis will even look so as to add at cornerback, the place it has Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. However the group struggled to seek out somebody dependable in nickel protection and to begin when Watson missed half the season with a damaged fibula and tibia.
Extensive receiver can also be a necessity. The Chiefs have final yr’s first-round draft choose, Xavier Worthy, and they’re relying on a return from Rashee Rice, who missed most of final season with a knee damage. However they do not have a lot depth, significantly if Brown leaves as a free agent.
The Chiefs may additionally use a flexible operating again to offer some aid for Isiah Pacheco and a linebacker if Bolton, a four-year starter, leaves in free company. Tight finish can also be a necessity no matter what Travis Kelce decides on retirement. Kelce, who will flip 36 in October, caught 97 passes however had profession lows in yards (823) and touchdowns (three) final season.
