KC Chiefs have very real competition at right tackle

Kyle Long

Let’s not forget that one under-the-radar option is sitting on the sidelines at Chiefs camp in St. Joe waiting for his chance to disrupt these sorts of discussions by reminding us what he’s capable of.

Kyle Long signed with the Chiefs back in March after deciding to come out of retirement, a move that showed he was healthy and ready to go after a year away from the game. Long signed a single season deal worth only $1.5 million against the cap, but incentive could raise that number to $5 million—a nod to the fact that Long has been a serious contributor along the line in the past.

The Chicago Bears watched Long go to three straight Pro Bowls to start his career in the Windy City before injuries took over and ultimately forced him from the game following the 2019 campaign. He’s a true mauler who has played both right guard and right tackle and when healthy it would make sense to include him as a potential front-runner for one of those roles.

Unfortunately for Long and the Chiefs, the veteran lineman was lost with a serious leg injury back in the spring and the diagnosis left him likely out through training camp. When he returns, will he look ready to take over somewhere? Will a rookie have things locked down?

If the Chiefs roll with Remmers into the regular season, his lower ceiling would make it likely that someone overtakes him as the year goes on—whether that’s Niang learning on the fly or Long showing he’s still a high-caliber performer.