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Analyze Chiefs’ roster changes and draft risks from the 2025 offseason

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

The Chiefs’ offensive line is undergoing big changes this offseason.

Trading Joe Thuney to the Bears gives Kansas City much-needed cap room but also removes one of their most reliable blockers. Their decision to put the franchise tag on Trey Smith and work on a new deal anchors the interior, but issues at left tackle linger.

Drafting Josh Simmons from Ohio State, despite his injury, shows a willingness to take risks and prioritize talent at a premium position. The protection at left tackle will be crucial as Patrick Mahomes and the offense aim to reclaim a dynamic, deep-passing attack in 2025.

Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) walk to the field for training camp at Missouri Western State University on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in St. Joseph. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 1: WHY THE CHIEFS ARE BRINGING BACK TREY SMITH — AND WHERE IT LEAVES THEM FOR FREE AGENCY

The Chiefs made a surprising move with the franchise tag. Here’s their explanation for it — and the reverberation from the decision. | Published March 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney arrives before the Chiefs’ game with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: CHIEFS TRADING TEAM MVP JOE THUNEY TO CHICAGO BEARS. HERE’S THE IMPACT FOR KC IN 2025

What do you think of the move? | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jesse Newell Sam McDowell

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons parlayed a successful college football career into a first-round selection in the NFL Draft, by the Kansas City Chiefs, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. By Barbara J. Perenic/The Columbus Dispatch

NO. 3: WHY THE CHIEFS TOOK A RISK IN DRAFTING JOSH SIMMONS WHEN NO OTHER TEAM WOULD

A knee injury didn’t dissuade the Chiefs, and here’s the reason why. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) strips the ball from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. The Eagles recovered the ball on the play. By Emily Curiel

NO. 4: PATRICK MAHOMES CONSIDERS THIS HIS TOP PRIORITY. IT FITS THE CHIEFS’ DRAFT PICKS

Patrick Mahomes said this will get the bulk of his offseason focus. The Chiefs have already responded in kind. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.