Chiefs Rumors: Patrick Mahomes Gets 2 New Protectors as $30M Veteran Hits Trade Market

Patrick Mahomes had it all planned out—well, almost.

The Chiefs were cruising toward an unprecedented three-peat, and Mahomes was set to cement his legacy as the ultimate franchise quarterback. Then, the Super Bowl happened. And let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty. Sack. Sack. Pick-six. The Eagles D had #15 on lock!

It was the kind of sequence that makes you question everything. Like, did the offensive line forget they were playing football? Or were they just getting a really close look at the turf? Either way, the damage was done, and Mahomes was left scrambling.

Now, here’s where things take a turn. Joe Thuney, the guy who played out of position just to hold the line together, is out the door. Traded. Gone. Poof! Just like that, the Chiefs’ left side became a question mark the size of Arrowhead Stadium. And with that, Mahomes’ offseason priority became clear: find protection, fast.

Let’s be clear: no quarterback, not even Mahomes, can work magic when the pocket collapses faster than a house of cards in a wind tunnel.

Enter Jonah Williams, a name Chiefs fans should start getting familiar with. As PFN’s Cameron Sheath said, “The Chiefs could acquire an experienced starting tackle in Jonah Williams.” But why this endorsement? You see, Williams isn’t just another lineman; he’s a versatile, experienced tackle with a solid track record. He spent his early years holding down the left side in Cincinnati before being bumped to right tackle in 2023.

Last year, he took his talents to Arizona—until injuries sidelined him after six games. But when he was on the field? He was good. Really good. His 3.4% pressure rate allowed would have ranked seventh among all tackles if he had played enough snaps. For context, Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City’s current starting tackle, allowed a 5.7% pressure rate. You do the math.

But Williams isn’t the only reinforcement. The Chiefs are eyeing the draft, and there’s one name that keeps popping up: Armand Membou. The Missouri product is an absolute unit—332 pounds of raw power with the athleticism to match. He ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the combine, which is absurd for someone his size. And he’s got that mean streak you want in a lineman. Just ask Landon Jackson, a fellow draft prospect whom Membou bulldozed 10 yards downfield like he was clearing a path for a freight train.

So, what’s the move? The Chiefs have options. For Mahomes, this offseason isn’t about adding weapons. It’s about fortifying the trenches. Because as great as he is, even he can’t win games from his back. But the good thing about this problem is that Andy Reid sees this problem, and is ready to even break his golden draft rule…

Patrick Mahomes’ protection: draft pick or seasoned-vet?

Patrick Mahomes is used to making magic happen under pressure. But even Houdini needs a little help when the pocket collapses like a sandcastle at high tide. The Chiefs can’t afford to let their franchise QB left stranded under center, looking lost. Fixing the offensive line isn’t just a priority; it’s survival mode. Especially when claims like Patrick Mahomes’ ‘Revenge Tour’.

But here’s the problem: just when KC thought they had a plan, reality threw a wrench in it. And not just any wrench—a 34-inch one. The NFL’s new arm-length standard for tackles has suddenly thinned out the Chiefs’ draft options. Historically, Andy Reid and Brett Veach have treated arm length like BBQ aficionados treat burnt ends—non-negotiable. Every tackle they’ve brought in fit the 34-inch mold. Now? They’re in a tough spot.

That’s where veteran options like Jonah Williams enter the chat. Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti listed the Cardinals’ right tackle as a potential trade candidate, and for good reason. Williams, signed to a $30 million deal last offseason… With Arizona looking to shed his $16 million cap hit, the Chiefs could snag him for the right price.

The question is: do the Chiefs roll the dice on Williams, or do they finally break Reid’s golden rule—no offensive players in the first round? The last time KC spent a first-round pick on offense, they got Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Yeah… not exactly a Hall of Fame investment. But this is different. This is about keeping Mahomes upright, not adding a luxury piece.

However, if the Chiefs don’t adjust their draft philosophy, their options shrink fast. They can either reach for a tackle with the right measurables but not first-round talent or trust a veteran like Williams to step in. Neither is ideal, but hey—desperate times, right?

So, the clock’s ticking, and the Chiefs are on the clock—literally and figuratively.

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