Arrowhead Pride
Kansas City struggled at left tackle throughout the 2024 season.
By far, left tackle was the Kansas City Chiefs' biggest weakness in 2024. As we near the start of the new league year, there will be hot debate over the team’s options at this important position. Let’s dive into what the Chiefs could do.
Since the cupboard seemed so bare in 2024, it may seem insane to think Kansas City will find an in-house answer. But there is a path where the Chiefs could fix this thing by keeping the pieces now on hand.
The former Arizona Cardinals tackle is the most popular in-house option. The argument for Humphries is that we never got a good look at him in 2024. The Chiefs signed him in late November — right after he was medically cleared from 2023’s ACL injury. But in his first game with Kansas City, Humphries injured his hamstring. While he eventually returned to the field, he never started again.
Pros: A former Pro Bowl player, Humphries is a natural left tackle. The Chiefs should be able to re-sign him at a reasonable price tag. ACLs usually take over a year to completely heal, so there is a chance he will come back stronger in 2025.
Cons: He is now a free agent, so Kansas City will have to compete with other teams for Humphries’ services. He is also 31 years old — and knee injuries affect big men differently than smaller guys. It’s hard to predict how his body will react and heal as he ages.
In his rookie season, the Chiefs may have done Suamataia’s development a disservice by rushing him into the starting lineup. While the former second-round draft pick is full of unrealized potential, he needs to improve in several key areas before he will be ready to start in 2025.
Pros: He is still on his rookie deal, so the Chiefs have three more years of control. Just 22 years old, he has the upside to be a cornerstone of the offensive line.
Cons: Suamataia didn’t just look green in 2024. He looked like he had no business being on the field. There is a chance his flaws will prevent him from reaching his potential. Did playing him too early damage his development?
Bottom line: Whether Kansas City rolls with Humphries or Suamataia, it will be taking a risk that it will once again be neck-deep into the season with no options at left tackle.
Other options: Wanya Morris and Ethan Driskell
The Chiefs currently have about $4.3 million in cap space, so they are unlikely to be big players in free agency. But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t take a swing at a bargain, hoping to strike gold.
One player who could be a free-agent lottery ticket is the former San Francisco 49ers left tackle.
Pros: Moore allowed one sack and...
