Kansas City Chiefs could already have a plan in place to acquire a proven LT following the trade of LG Joe Thuney
Following the news of Kansas City expected to trade left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, the Chiefs now have major question marks regarding the left side of their offensive line. It seems likely that Kingsley Suamataia will take over for Thuney at LG after failing to hold on to the starting left tackle […]
Following the news of Kansas City expected to trade left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, the Chiefs now have major question marks regarding the left side of their offensive line.
It seems likely that Kingsley Suamataia will take over for Thuney at LG after failing to hold on to the starting left tackle job as a rookie in 2024. If that is the case, Suamataia will definitely need an experienced LT who can play at a high level next to him.
That guy could be free agent Ronnie Stanley. A nine-year NFL veteran, Stanley was one of the best left tackles in the league from 2016-2021. Unfortunately, he suffered a devastating knee injury in '21 that affected him through the 2023 season.
However, he returned to full strength in 2024 and rounded back into form, getting selected to the Pro Bowl. Media personality (and former Chiefs quarterback) Chase Daniel spoke with Dianna Russini of The Athletic about the possibility of Kansas City acquiring Stanley on YouTube's "Scoop City" on Wednesday morning.
"I don't know if a player has had a better free agency year than who I'm about to say, and that person is Ronnie Stanley from the Baltimore Ravens," Daniel said. "Here's what I want to happen. Go to the Kansas City Chiefs. You (the Chiefs) drafted Kingsley Suamataia in the second round and it didn't work out. You did this after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Super Bowl LV) Veach (Chiefs GM Brett Veach). You went out and you solidified that offensive line even more. Get your guy, get your left tackle. Make sure you protect the franchise, and that franchise is (quarterback) Patrick Mahomes."
The Chiefs could have made a run for Stanley even if they kept Thuney, but now with Thuney off the books, they will have approximately another $16 million to work with. That gives K.C. even more ammo to go after not only Stanley, but other free agents as well.
It is crucial that the Chiefs go the veteran route at LT. The last few draft picks they've spent at the position (Suamataia, Wanya Morris, Darian Kinnard) haven't worked. With the rest of their offensive line being very young, it needs a veteran presence. Although Stanley is the best option, K.C. could also go after free agents such as Dan Moore or Tyron Smith.
Kansas City Chiefs free agent positional preview: Examining potential options at offensive tackle
The Chiefs’ biggest need.
