The Kansas City Chiefs have always been known for their explosive offense led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, in the past few seasons, it became evident that the team’s biggest weakness was their inability to protect their star player. Mahomes, who is known for his ability to escape pressure and make incredible plays, was constantly under threat from opposing edge rushers. In fact, in the 2024 season, he took a career-high 32 sacks, a number that was simply too high for the team to ignore.
This offseason, the Chiefs made it their top priority to address this issue and fortify their offensive line to protect their prized possession, Patrick Mahomes. And they did not hold back. It was a full-blown, red-alert fortress build around their star quarterback, a move that was not just strategic but necessary.
Let’s be real, Mahomes is not just any ordinary quarterback. He is a once-in-a-generation talent, a player who can single-handedly change the course of a game. And the Chiefs were not going to let any harm come to him. The team’s management, led by their head coach Andy Reid, knew that protecting Mahomes was key to their success, not just in the short term but for years to come.
The first step in this fortification process was to address the offensive line’s gaps. The Chiefs lost two key starters, Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, due to injuries in the 2021 season, which left the team vulnerable on the edges. The team wasted no time in finding replacements and signed two experienced offensive tackles, Orlando Brown Jr. and Joe Thuney, in free agency. This move not only filled the gaps but also added depth and experience to the offensive line.
But the Chiefs didn’t stop there. In the 2021 NFL Draft, they selected Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey in the second round and Tennessee guard Trey Smith in the sixth round. Both players are highly regarded and have the potential to make an immediate impact on the team’s offensive line. This draft class was a clear indication that the Chiefs were serious about protecting Mahomes.
However, the most significant move made by the Chiefs this offseason was the signing of 315lbs prospect, Lucas Niang. The 24-year-old offensive tackle was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft but opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Niang is a massive and athletic player who has the potential to be a dominant force on the offensive line. He is also a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, which relies heavily on pass protection.
The timing of Niang’s signing couldn’t have been more perfect. Just days after his signing, starting right tackle Rasheed Rice suffered a season-ending injury, leaving a significant gap on the offensive line. With Niang now in the mix, the Chiefs have a reliable and talented option to fill in for Rice and solidify the offensive line’s right side. It’s a move that once again demonstrates the team’s commitment to protecting Mahomes.
Andy Reid, who is known for his offensive genius, has always been aware of Mahomes’ vulnerability to pressure. He has often joked that he needs to clone Mahomes to protect him. But with the moves made this offseason, it seems like he has found a better solution. Reid and the Chiefs’ management have given Mahomes the tools he needs to succeed and stay healthy, and that is a massive weight off the quarterback’s shoulders.
The Chiefs’ offseason moves have not only shored up their offensive line but have also given Mahomes the confidence and peace of mind to continue playing at his best. And with the team’s core players, including Mahomes, locked in for the foreseeable future, the Chiefs are well-positioned to make another run at the Super Bowl.
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason was not just about shoring up gaps; it was a strategic and necessary move to protect their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The team’s management, led by Andy Reid, has made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to keep Mahomes safe and give him the best chance to succeed. With a fortified offensive line and a talented roster, the Chiefs are poised for another successful season, and Mahomes will undoubtedly continue to dazzle fans with his incredible skills.