Four questions surrounding the future of the KC Chiefs offensive line

Questions Surrounding KC Chiefs Offensive Line – No. 2: What happens with Mitchell Schwartz?

Prior to this season, Schwartz hadn’t missed a single start since he entered the league in 2012. That all changed when he had to leave the Week 6 game in Buffalo with a back injury, which ended up being the last time we saw Schwartz in action.

What happens with the veteran right tackle will be something to watch this offseason for sure. Schwartz is due a $1 million roster bonus on March 19 and a salary of $4.905 million going toward his 2021 cap number of $10.005 million. What can be done, if anything, for the Chiefs to reduce this number if Schwartz plans on returning? More than likely, we will have a general idea about Schwartz by March 19.

Questions Surrounding KC Chiefs Offensive Line – No. 3: What can we expect from the opt-outs?

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has started a lot of games in the NFL at right guard but missed an entire season. Lucas Niang has never played at this level and now has spent a year away from the game. What does either look like next season? How much can and should the Chiefs count on either player for next season?

Does LDT replace free agent Andrew Wylie and Niang replace Mike Remmers? That’s a big ask for players to shake the rust off. I do anticipate that’s the plan, at least for right now. Regardless, I would anticipate seeing a lot of Niang in the preseason (assuming it takes place) to get up to speed.