Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to pick R Mason Thomas inadvertently created an enemy out of a player who was once a friend
The Kansas City Chiefs’ second-round pick of R Mason Thomas, one spot ahead, turns K.C. native Cashius Howell from friend into rival Cincinnati Bengals rookie.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to select Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas at pick No. 40 came as a bit of a surprise.
It wasn’t just because he doesn’t fit the typical Steve Spagnuolo edge-rusher prototype. It’s because there was another similar player on the board who was a Kansas City, Missouri native and grew up a Chiefs fan. Now, he’s been turned from a friend into a sworn enemy. It’s not just because of K.C. passing on him. It’s because he was selected by the rival Cincinnati Bengals at pick No. 41.
Bengals take Cashius Howell after Chiefs select R Mason Thomas
Cashius Howell played high school football at Rockhurst before attending Bowling Green and Texas A&M. He sat in Kansas City surrounded by friends and family as he waited for his name to be called in the 2026 NFL Draft. When the Chiefs came on the clock at No. 40, he thought that he might hear his name called.
“Yeah, potentially,” Howell told reporters. “That was one of the options that was discussed. Like I said, I’m very happy to be a Bengal, and wouldn’t want to be a Kansas City Chief at this point.”
Asked about whether he was a Chiefs fan growing up, Howell confirmed the obvious. Now, his allegiances are changing.
“Yes sir, but they had taken an edge rusher before me, so… you know, it’s all good,” Howell said. “I grew up a Kansas City Chiefs fan, but at this point, I’m just thankful to be a Bengal, so we’re going to see them when we see them.”
Howell is already looking forward to sacking Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
The Bengals media already has Howell with his eyes on sacking Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
“I think it would be a good experience,” Howell said. “I’m just trying to come in and make a positive impact on everything, so if it comes down to me sacking Patrick Mahomes, so be it. I’m just trying to make sure I put myself in the right positions and just going about it the right way.”
He might get his chance, too. The Bengals are on the Chiefs’ calendar in 2026 for a road match at Paycor Stadium. Whether Howell will face Mahomes likely depends on where the game falls on the schedule.
Howell and Thomas will forever be connected throughout their careers. The Chiefs couldn’t have known that he’d go a pick later and to a rival team. Still, this will just add another layer of complexity to one of the best rivalries in the AFC conference.
