Mitchell Schwartz
Mitchell Schwartz has been a fan favorite in Kansas City and one of the most consistent players in the NFL for his entire career. From his time in Cleveland to his time with Kansas City he had started an incredible 134 games straight.
Schwartz would obviously be welcomed back to the Chiefs for as long as he wants to play. The question for him this offseason is whether his body can continue to take the regular season and playoff beating that comes along with playing offensive line for the Chiefs.
This seemingly was never in question, at least in the short term, until Schwartz missed the final 10 games of this season with lingering back problems. It’s possible these can be addressed in the offseason, but it would seem they aren’t minor given one of the sports iron men missed so many games.
The report is the Chiefs are not expecting him back for the playoffs, which adds credence to the idea his back problems are serious. Factor in Schwartz’s age at 31, and it’s reasonable to wonder what his long-term plans are.
Back injuries tend to be particularly problematic for offensive linemen. Both Schwartz and the Chiefs front office will have a lot to think about this offseason. Losing Schwartz would be a blow to an offensive line already somewhat thin when it comes to top-end talent, but it’s also possible his best days, physically speaking, are behind him.