The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for a major boost to their offensive line after undergoing significant changes this offseason. The unit was a glaring weakness in the Super Bowl, where it was completely overwhelmed.
To address it, the front office used nearly every tool at its disposal. They traded away a stalwart in the middle, spent big in free agency, re-signed one of their own to a massive deal, and invested a high draft pick in the position.
Even after splurging at left tackle in free agency—signing Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract—Kansas City couldn’t pass on Josh Simmons when he fell to them at the end of the first round.
Simmons likely would have been drafted much higher if not for a torn patellar tendon suffered in October 2024. Instead, he slid to Kansas City with the final pick of the first round. For the Chiefs, it was a case of the rich getting richer.
Josh Simmons Already Trending Up Ahead of the Chiefs Season
Initially, it was unknown whether Simmons would miss practice time as a rookie, as he worked his way back from his injury. But he’s been ready from the start of camp.
His early practices have been impressive. He has already gained the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. His first preseason appearance only added to the excitement.
In the opener, Simmons played just 11 offensive snaps but made each and every one of them count. He wasn’t flawless—getting driven back into the quarterback on one play—but his overall performance was strong enough to raise hopes even higher heading into mid-August.
The rookie may already be pushing Moore for the starting job. The expectation was for Moore to handle left tackle duties in Year 1, given his two-year deal, but Simmons’ emergence could alter that plan.
Complicating matters further, left guard remains unsettled. Kingsley Suamataia struggled in the first exhibition game, opening the door for potential shuffling. He has a lot to prove.
One scenario the Chiefs could explore is sliding Moore inside to guard, creating competition at both spots—Simmons vs. Moore at left tackle, and Suamataia vs. Moore at left guard.
If the goal is to get the five best linemen on the field, that approach could make sense.
It’s still early, and plenty of preseason football remains. But Simmons has already made a strong first impression in camp and in live action. Now the challenge is to keep that momentum going.