Chiefs' Quest to Secure Patrick Mahomes: The Left Tackle Dilemma
The Kansas City Chiefs face ongoing challenges in securing a reliable left tackle to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, exploring various strategies to address this critical need.
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again in the spotlight as they navigate the complexities of securing a reliable left tackle to protect their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Following their Super Bowl LIX loss, the team has been actively seeking solutions to one of their most pressing positional needs.
Since parting ways with long-time starter Eric Fisher after the 2020 season, the Chiefs have experimented with trades, free agency, and the draft to address their left tackle problem. Over the past four years, they have cycled through six starters, including four in the 2024 season alone. This inability to find a long-term solution has proven frustrating for both general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid.
In a bold move, Veach suggested a somewhat unconventional strategy: 'That's just sucking for a year and then [drafting] in the top 10,' he remarked to Reid. 'Then we'll get one.' Despite this, the Chiefs have made attempts to fortify their offensive line, most recently signing Jaylon Moore, a former backup with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Chiefs' draft strategy remains a topic of debate. With their first-round pick at No. 31, the team faces the challenge of balancing immediate needs with the value of selecting the best available player. 'The one thing that scares me is ... sitting there at 31 and having a first-round cornerback on the board and a first-round defensive end on the board and a third-round tackle,' Veach admitted.
Historically, the Chiefs have struggled to position themselves for top tackle prospects via the draft. Their last high pick at the position was Eric Fisher in 2013. Since then, the team has only drafted in the top 10 once, trading up to select Mahomes in 2017.
The Chiefs have also tried various other approaches, including trading for Orlando Brown Jr. and signing veteran Donovan Smith. However, these moves have yet to yield a long-term solution. Last season, they drafted Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris, but both struggled to secure the position.
As the Chiefs look ahead, the pressure is on to find a solution that will protect Mahomes and ensure the team's continued success. Whether through free agency, the draft, or creative roster moves, the Chiefs remain determined to address their left tackle dilemma once and for all.
