KC Chiefs have endured a crazy carousel at left guard
By Matt Conner
Nick Allegretti
It’s frustrating that the season ended the way it did for the Chiefs offensive line because, for most of the year, it was really a story of “next men up” in the very best way. Nick Allegretti was certainly one of the best examples of this. In a year that began with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opting out, which meant giving way to Kelechi Osemele, who eventually gave way to Mike Remmers, who eventually gave way to Allegretti, it’s amazing how well the second-year player stepped up for the Chiefs in 2020.
Allegretti arrived in K.C. as the final selection from the 2019 NFL Draft for the team. The early seventh round pick entered the NFL with plenty of starting experience along the interior for the University of Illinois, and Chiefs scouts praised his “nasty edge” that he brought to the position. Chiefs fans certainly saw that with Allegretti at left guard, and he grabbed it with a tenacity that allowed him to maintain control of starter’s reps even through the very end of the season.
Remember this: Allegretti took over in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills mid-game when Remmers was sent to right tackle to fill in for Mitchell Schwartz, who left with back pain. Allegretti never gave up hold on the spot from that point forward. Even as the Chiefs got healthier and signed other bodies, Allegretti remained firmly in place. It’s a testament to his talent, his hard work, and the job he was doing up front.
In a year in which the Chiefs have a number of offensive line questions, including at both tackle spots, Allegretti’s hold on left guard might just extend into another season. Allegretti has already rewarded the Chiefs investment and then some, and it will be interesting to see how much more he has to offer going forward. Perhaps the carousel will finally stop.