KC Chiefs have backup tackle options in free agency
By Jacob Milham
It was not long ago the Kansas City Chiefs completely overhauled their offensive line. The unit unquestionably cost the Chiefs Super Bowl LV. Between offensive tackle injuries and temporary fixes, franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent many plays scrambling or on the ground.
After losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9, fans and the Chiefs’ front office agreed on one thing: change was necessary on the offensive front.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach went on a historic tear, rebuilding the offensive line. Through trades, free agency, and the draft, the rebuild was complete. Five new starters turned the unit from a weakness into a strength in one offseason. The rest is history from there, as fans around the league remain dumbfounded by how Veach did this.
The offensive line is only as strong as its weakest link. Right now, some links are weaker than others.
Four of the Chiefs’ offensive line starters are under contract for several years. Only left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. is not signed long-term, but a deal is a top priority for Veach.
“We’re going to work hard to get a deal done with him,” said Veach during the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “Hopefully everything ends up in a positive direction.”
Behind the five starters though, the depth chart gets very empty. While there are four additional offensive linemen under contract for 2022, only guard Nick Allegretti has seen significant on-field action. Meanwhile, Kansas City has four pending offensive line free agents:
Tackle Mike Remmers
- 2021 Stats: 4 game appearances, 2 starts, 156 offensive snaps
Guard Kyle Long
- 2021 Stats: 0 game appearances, 0 starts, 0 offensive snaps
Guard Austin Blythe
- 2021 Stats: 4 game appearances, 0 starts, 12 offensive snaps
Tackle Andrew Wylie
- 2021 Stats: 13 game appearances, 7 starts, 527 offensive snaps
While the five starters remain in Kansas City, it was a lack of offensive line depth that cost the Chiefs Super Bowl LV. Veach and the Kansas City front office will likely never underestimate offensive line backups again. Wylie and Remmers saw ample snaps at tackle during the season. How do the Chiefs plan to replace them, and who could they target in free agency?