Kansas City Chiefs free agent positional preview: Examining potential options at offensive tackle
Most would agree that finding a solution at left tackle is the Kansas City Chiefs' top priority during the offseason. The Chiefs currently have five offensive tackles on their roster with Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, Ethan Driskell, and Chukwuebuka Godrick. You can pencil in Taylor as the starter at right tackle for the […]
Most would agree that finding a solution at left tackle is the Kansas City Chiefs' top priority during the offseason.
The Chiefs currently have five offensive tackles on their roster with Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, Ethan Driskell, and Chukwuebuka Godrick. You can pencil in Taylor as the starter at right tackle for the third year in a row, but Kansas City should not be considering any other of those names to start on the left side in 2025.
Whether it's through free agency or the draft, the Chiefs must come up with a serviceable left tackle if they're going to improve offensively. They haven't had any recent success finding one in the draft, so free agency may be the way to go. The NFL's free agent legal tampering period begins on March 10, with signings able to become official on March 12 – marking the start of the new league year.
Let's take a look at some potential OT options for the Chiefs in 2025.
Ronnie Stanley
From when the Baltimore Ravens drafted him in 2016 all the way to 2021, Stanley was one of the best left tackles in the league. Unfortunately, he suffered a devastating knee injury in '21 that affected him through the 2023 season. Finally back to full strength in 2024, Stanley rounded back into form and had a Pro Bowl season.
Soon to be 31-years-old, Stanley likely won't land a long-term contract, but he could command a solid payday since he is widely regarded as the best free agent OT on the market. If the Chiefs were to go in on Stanley, he would probably be the only big name acquisition they land during free agency.
Alaric Jackson
Stanley is a more proven commodity than Jackson, but Jackson may not be all that far behind Stanley from a talent standpoint. Jackson is coming off a career season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, earning a 74.7 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. At 26-years-old, he is entering his prime and will be looking for a long-term deal.
If the Chiefs are tired of putting a band-aid on the LT position and want to make a quality investment, Jackson could be their man. It is worth noting that he has had some off the field issues that have gotten him suspended both at the college and professional level.
Tyron Smith
Smith is a potential future Hall of Famer – earning five career All-Pro selections, eight Pro Bowl nods, and being named to the 2010's All-Decade Team. After spending 13 years as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Smith is coming off a one-year tenure with the New York Jets in which he started 10 games before suffering a season-ending neck injury.
That injury, combined with Smith's age (34), will likely mean he'll only get a one or two-year contract. That's probably all he's looking for, as Smith actually hasn't completely ruled out retiring. If K.C. acquired Smith, it would be similar to when it signed Donovan Smith in 2023. It's reasonable to believe that Tyron could be at least as good as Donovan was, and he'll come very affordable.
Dan Moore Jr.
Moore has produced mixed results during his four-year NFL career, but has started 66 games during that span and is still just 26-years-old. 2024 was shaping up to be the best season of Moore's career, but he had a rough ending as he allowed 10 sacks in the Pittsburgh Steelers' final eight games.
If the Chiefs sign Moore, it will be because they believe they can coach him to play at a more consistent level. Like with Jackson, Moore could be a long-term solution for K.C. at LT. However, if Moore can't find the consistency he needs to be successful, it could be a disastrous signing for the Chiefs.
D.J. Humphries
The Chiefs hoped Humphries could solidify their offensive line when they acquired him late in the 2024 season. However, he injured his hamstring during his first game with K.C. and didn't see the field again until Week 18. He rode the bench throughout the playoffs.
Humphries is a former Pro Bowler and a 10-year veteran. Injuries have thrown his career off course over the last couple of years, but with a healthy and full offseason with the Chiefs he could potentially round back into form. He's the perfect candidate for a one-year "prove it" deal, but injuries and age are a concern.
