Chiefs’ ‘Biggest Priority’ Key To Patrick Mahomes MVP Success

Chiefs’ ‘Biggest Priority’ Key To Patrick Mahomes MVP Success originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line has been one of the biggest talking points this offseason, with a lot of moving pieces in front of Patrick Mahomes.

Joe Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears as a salary cap dump, while left tackle Jaylon Moore was signed in free agency, and Josh Simmons was drafted in the first round to eventually usurp Moore for the starting role.

Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris both failed at left tackle last season, with Suamataia tipped to shift inside to left guard to replace Thuney, meaning relative newcomers will protect Mahomes’ left side.

And for NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, sorting that out is the Chiefs’ biggest priority this offseason.

“In an ideal world, Simmons is ready to go and Suamataia seamlessly moves inside to replace Thuney, one of the best guards of his generation,” Patra writes. “Regardless of how things shake out, the Chiefs are poised to be young on the left side of Patrick Mahomes’ offensive line.”

Chiefs Ohio State OL Josh Simmons at 32By Tony Fisher

Chiefs Ohio State OL Josh Simmons at 32By Tony Fisher

Training camp will be an interesting watch because while Moore was signed to a two-year deal, Simmons, we think, as Patra does, should eventually move into the starting role.

Of course, a rookie’s success isn’t always smooth, so having Moore, a four-year backup, isn’t a bad thing to have in your back pocket. However, questions still remain over Suamataia and Morris, with training camp likely playing a significant role in determining who makes the cut and who doesn’t.

The Chiefs want to bounce back from the horror Super Bowl loss, but they can only do it if the offensive line pulls its weight and protects Mahomes, who was sacked a career-high 47 times last season (including playoffs).

Get that done? Mahomes is an MVP finalist.

However, as things stand, many are unsure whether this revamped offensive line can adequately protect the franchise’s biggest asset.