Marina
The Kansas City Chiefs have once again prioritized their offensive line this offseason— a move that is certain to put a smile on Patrick Mahomes’ face. The franchise’s ongoing strategy of protecting its star quarterback continues with new talent and depth upgrades at key positions.
This year, all eyes are on rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who is already making waves during offseason activities. With the Chiefs nurturing young talent and boosting competition at the tackle spots, Mahomes is likely to enjoy even more time in the pocket in the upcoming season.
Key Highlights of the Chiefs’ Offensive Line Upgrade
| Position | Key Upgrade or Player |
|---|---|
| Left Tackle (LT) | Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Jaylon Moore |
| Left Guard (LG) | Kingsley Suamataia |
| Center (C) | Creed Humphrey (All-Pro) |
| Right Guard (RG) | Trey Smith (Pro Bowler) |
| Right Tackle (RT) | D.J. Humphries |
Spotlight on Rookie Josh Simmons
One of the standout stories of this offseason is the addition of Josh Simmons, a fifth-round draft pick from USC. Simmons has quickly caught the attention of the Chiefs’ coaching staff and veteran offensive linemen alike.
- Veteran Praise: Both Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith have publicly praised Simmons for his eagerness to learn, work ethic, and on-field energy.
- Technical Focus: While Simmons brings raw athleticism, he is working hard on refining his technical footwork, hand placement, and mental preparation for NFL-level pass rushers.
Though Simmons is not guaranteed a starting spot, he is in strong contention for meaningful reps. The Chiefs are giving him every opportunity to develop and compete with veterans at left tackle.
Competition Brews at Left Tackle
The battle at left tackle is expected to be one of the most exciting camp competitions:
- Josh Simmons: A promising rookie with the upside to become a long-term starter.
- Kingsley Suamataia: A versatile player transitioning between guard and tackle, adding valuable flexibility.
- Jaylon Moore: A seasoned veteran providing leadership and stability.
Expect a healthy rotation throughout training camp as the coaching staff evaluates which player offers the best blend of protection, consistency, and scheme fit for Mahomes’ blindside.
Why the Upgrade Matters for Patrick Mahomes
A strong offensive line is essential to the Chiefs’ success. Over the past seasons, Mahomes has thrived when given time to survey the field and extend plays.
- Enhanced Protection: With additional depth and younger talent being developed, Mahomes should face fewer pressures and sacks.
- Offensive Flexibility: Better line play will allow the Chiefs to diversify their run game and open up more play-action opportunities.
- Playoff Readiness: Improved pass protection is crucial in deep playoff runs where elite defensive lines are often the difference.
The Chiefs’ focus on building from within and fostering competition ensures Mahomes can continue performing at an MVP level.
Player Development & Coaching Support
One reason the Chiefs remain a perennial contender is their ability to blend veteran leadership with young talent. Simmons benefits from:
- Mentorship from All-Pro center Creed Humphrey and Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith.
- A coaching staff that excels in player development and prepares linemen for complex defensive schemes.
- An organizational culture that emphasizes continuous improvement, giving Simmons and his fellow linemen the tools to succeed.
The Chiefs’ 2025 offensive line upgrade, led by promising rookie Josh Simmons, is designed to give Patrick Mahomes the protection he needs to remain the NFL’s most dynamic quarterback.
With new depth, healthy competition, and strong coaching, Kansas City is once again building an offensive line that could be the foundation of another Super Bowl run.
As Simmons and his teammates continue to progress through training camp, expect this new-look line to keep Mahomes smiling—and Chiefs fans excited—for the season ahead.