Kansas City is kicking its efforts to strengthen the offensive line into high gear. The team has taken significant steps to find their new left side protector. Running back The Chiefs have added free agent Jaylon Moore. They selected Josh Simmons from Ohio State in the first round as a shot in the arm to a group that’s let them down in years past. Simmons is just coming off of a torn patella. The folks at the organization are optimistic he’ll be their long-term answer, but there are still doubts as to his long-term durability and fit.
These adjustments happen with the backdrop of hot stove season speculation about continued concern at left tackle, still a top issue for Kansas City. The team added Moore and Simmons, but are far from done. They’ll continue to search for different free agency pieces, particularly as older vets such as Za’Darius Smith and Von Miller remain unclaimed. The Chiefs are going all in on this offseason, bringing in high-priced free agents to shore up their offensive line. This important addition can significantly change the course of their performance in the new season.
Kansas City’s Free Agency Strategy
Kansas City took the aggressive in free agency approach by signing Jaylon Moore. Still, he showed flashes of being a great offensive lineman. The team’s front office appears to feel Moore is the answer to their long-term left tackle question. This latest move is a signal of a strong intent to fortify the line heading into training camp.
Even aside from Moore’s addition, the tackle position has some nice depth and competition. His experience as the most tenured league veteran could be crucial. It’ll be vital for the Chiefs in addressing the issues with bringing new players into their scheme, especially on defense. The non-profit is taking stock of its core grantee roster. People are even more hopeful that Moore can be a big factor in stabilizing the turnstile of an offensive line.
Kansas City has made a concerted effort to grow their own talent from a young age. In selecting Simmons, they fill the gap now while drafting someone who can be a long-term answer at the position. Simmons’ versatility and skill set give him the potential to be a really interesting prospect, but coming off the injury definitely gives you some pause.
Drafting Josh Simmons
For Josh Simmons, anticipation runs high as he arrives at Kansas City, but a big obstacle remains to clear. Coming off a torn patella, Simmons will need to demonstrate his resilience and ability to compete at an elite level. The Chiefs are banking on the fact that he can make a fast switch. The mystery of when and even if his full recovery needs adds sticky situations to the organization’s plans.
Though Simmons is mostly projected as a right tackle, his versatility would at the very least give the coaching staff cause to create flexible depth. Darnell Wright has had that spot on lock-down for two years now. Such a strong performance may prevent Simmons from having an immediate impact on the field. That concern leaves Kansas City with a few strategic options as they try and find their best optimized offensive line recipe.
The Chiefs’ commitment to addressing the left tackle position through both free agency and the draft illustrates their understanding of its importance. The organization clearly understands that shoring up this offensive line unit will be important. Beyond protecting superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Joe’ll boost their overall offensive efficiency.
Potential Veteran Additions
Regardless of their moves over the past few days, Kansas City is still searching for more depth at left tackle. Proven veterans such as Za’Darius Smith and Von Miller are still out there. For continued line stability and leadership, the team would be smart to sign one of these reliable and experienced vets. Their addition would help balance the more youthful contingent while providing experience that helps promote competition and a winning culture from the outset of training camp.
And while they sit and wait, other teams are building up their rosters. That’s before you even get to targets like Mike Hilton, a reliable and impactful slot cornerback. The market for seasoned professionals is booming. This presents Kansas City with some potentially thrilling opportunities to bolster their starting 11 ahead of the new season.
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