Offensive lineman Kyle Long joined the Kansas City Chiefs with some fanfare as a high-value depth piece.
The Chiefs were fresh off the Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where a patchwork offensive line cost Kansas City the game. Watching franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes scramble for most of the game caused general manager Brett Veach to act. Following the loss, Veach completely revamped the offensive line, adding Orlando Brown Jr. and Joe Thuney, plus drafting Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
Kansas City made all the moves to have five new starters on the offensive line. But, Veach wanted some insurance. After all, that lack of insurance reared its head during the Super Bowl loss. One part of that insurance plan was signing Long.
A 2013 first-round selection, Long played his first seven seasons with the Chicago Bears. The Bears saw an immediate return on their investment, as Long made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons. Long was a stalwart for Chicago, playing in 100% of the team’s offensive snaps. However, the wheels quickly fell off.
Without seeing the field once, Kyle Long’s time in Kansas City has come and gone. Will the Chiefs try and retain the veteran?
In 2016, Long suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder, strained triceps, and a right ankle injury that required surgery. The following year, Chicago placed Long o the injured reserve after 10 games, due to several injuries and his shoulder. 2018 saw Long miss time due to a mid-season foot injury, only playing four games that season. 2019 was no better, with a hip injury landing Long on injured reserve again.
The injuries were so bad that long announced his retirement in 2020. Whether it was just for time to recover or he wanted to step away, Long stayed off any rosters in 2020. But, Veach lured him back with a one-year deal worth upwards of $5 million. “He’s in great shape, a three-time Pro Bowler, and a really smart player with an incredible football pedigree. We’re happy he chose to come here to Kansas City,” Veach said after the signing.
Fans thought that Long was the cherry on top of the offensive line rebuild. A former Pro Bowler as a depth player is a good luxury to have. But, Long’s time in Kansas City turned into anything but.