Despite winning back-to-back AFC titles, the Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2025 offseason with more questions than answers along the offensive line – and one NFL analyst believes that should concern quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In a recent column for NFL.com, Jeffri Chadiha listed Mahomes among the biggest “losers” of the early free agency period, citing Kansas City’s uncertain approach to protecting its franchise star.
“(Jaylon) Moore has been a backup behind Trent Williams for the last four years in San Francisco, which means there’s no guarantee he can be an effective option,” Chadiha wrote, referring to new left tackle Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Chiefs.
The move comes in the wake of the team trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears – a departure that only amplifies the concerns.
Thuney had been a key stabilizer on the line, even stepping in at left tackle late in the 2024 season. As great of a player as he was on the field, his leadership was just as important off it.
“Thuney was the insurance policy the Chiefs turned to late last season, when he assumed left tackle duties with four games left in the regular season, but he’s gone. There’s also likely to be a competition at left guard, where failed tackle Kingsley Suamataia most recently toiled,” Chadiha added.
While Kansas City used the franchise tag to retain right guard Trey Smith, their pursuit of top-tier protection on the left side fell short.
The team reportedly targeted former Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, but he opted to re-sign with Baltimore.
“There’s still plenty of time to figure all this out, but Mahomes might not have any clarity on this until preseason action starts,” Chadiha said of Kansas City’s offensive line.
Despite Chadiha’s skepticism, Moore’s underlying metrics offer some hope. According to Pro Football Focus, the 27-year-old allowed just five sacks over 826 snaps during his time with the 49ers.
He also hasn’t committed a penalty in the past two seasons and earned a solid 74.9 grade in 2024, ranking him 25th among 141 tackles.
Still, the Chiefs’ decision to thrust Moore into a full-time starting role marks a gamble – one that could shape the trajectory of their 2025 season.
Chadiha’s free agency winners and losers list included several other notable names.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was labeled the single biggest loser, with Chadiha warning that Myles Garrett’s massive extension will make it “a whole lot harder” for Dallas to lock down Micah Parsons.
The Cincinnati Bengals were also dinged after star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson requested a trade.
We all know how special Mahomes and the Chiefs have been these past several years.
Having said that, the way they were blown out against the Eagles in the Super Bowl caused massive damage to their “benefit of the doubt” bank.
Should Mahomes be disappointed with Kansas City’s offseason thus far? … Is the dynasty indeed on life-support???
