3 Aging Chiefs Veterans Who Should Be Replaced in the NFL Draft
By Joe Summers
We're officially one day away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft and the Chiefs are determined to add quality pieces to the back-to-back Super Bowl-winning roster.
It feels likely that at least one wide receiver will be taken at some point, though there are several players whose eventual replacement could be tabbed throughout the seven rounds. Andy Reid is here for the long haul but that doesn't mean everyone else will be.
Kansas City has one of the youngest rosters in the NFL yet finds an opportunity here to get even younger long-term. Let's look at three aging players who should be replaced in the draft this weekend.
3 Chiefs Veterans Who Should be Replaced in 2024 NFL Draft
1. Joe Thuney - LG
Joe Thuney is under contract until 2025, though he'll be 33 years old by the end of that season. He's one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and it'll be no easy task to replace him, so it'd be wise for the Chiefs to start developing a long-term heir apparent now.
The complicating factor in Thuney's situation is that of right guard Trey Smith, who is due up for a new contract at the end of this upcoming season. Smith is likely to command a large extension as one of the premier young talents at his position. With players like Creed Humphrey, Nick Bolton, Trent McDuffie, Georgie Karlftis, and more all coming up soon for new deals as well, I'd guess that Brett Veach chooses to move on from both of Kansas City's current starting guards.
If Veach is leaning in that direction, that makes developing a quality guard even more important.
Props to this entire Chiefs OL - but Joe Thuney balled out against Hargrave
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 13, 2023
Stout 1on1 reps (gorgeous technique, hand placement, leverage on 1st clip) & handled him in space when needed (screen pass 2nd clip)
And yea, the slips firing off the ball helped at times too (3rd clip) pic.twitter.com/syD9FLKkq5
Long-time backup guard Nick Allegretti is now with the Commanders and Kansas City lacks depth along the interior offensive line. I'd be surprised if the Chiefs don't exit the draft with at least one guard they feel good about developing, whether it's ultimately as a Smith replacement or one for Thuney.
We know how important the offensive line is and how big of a factor the group plays in the organization's plan. It's not the sexiest position, but guard is one that I expect Veach to target aggressively.
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