If there is one defining reason Kansas City Chiefs fans would point to for its frustrating Super Bowl loss, it was a lack of offensive protection. Even with the defense failing to show up, there is no stopping Patrick Mahomes if the quarterback is given anything close to capable pass protection. The Chiefs are well aware of this and are already working to improve the Super Bowl liability. Trading guard Joe Thuney was a bit of a surprise, but it has opened up the ability to reshuffle the Kansas City lineup.
A piece of this is moving former tackle Kingsley Suamataia to the inside. Considering the struggles Suamataia had on the edge, this isn't a huge surprise. Still, the Chiefs are hoping to find value in moving the offensive lineman to guard to compete with Mike Caliendo for a starting role. It is one of the more important position battles that have begun during OTAs for the Chiefs.
Andy Reid Has Made it Clear that Kingsley Suamataia is Competing to Start at Left Guard
Chiefs HC Andy Reid on Kingsley Suamataia at left guard: "We're moving him in there. . . He's doing a nice job so far."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) May 29, 2025
Reid reiterates it's a competition between Suamataia and Mike Caliendo at left guard.
Head coach Andy Reid, noting that the former tackle "has done a nice job so far," isn't exactly glowing, but it is encouraging. Perhaps the lineman is better suited for an inside role where the protections are more consistent and you have far more help. Getting beat on the outside is what has the Chiefs sliding Suamataia into the new role. This demotion is an attempt to recover value in a player who was expected to play a far more consistent role.
With that said, as long as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are at the head of the Kansas City offense, there is reason for a healthy level of belief. For three straight seasons, the Chiefs have been playing in the final game of the year. This is in the middle of losing key players, offensive line struggles, and having no idea who would offer consistent production at receiver.
It is an example of how special the Kansas City quarterback is and how the team has been able to figure things out on the fly. Moving the struggling tackle to the inside fits this theme perfectly and furthers the belief we will be seeing this franchise in the season's final game yet again.