The next five moves the KC Chiefs should make this offseason
By Matt Conner
Grab a right tackle ASAP
There is not a greater overlooked need on the Chiefs at this point than right tackle, and if you want proof, just read enough social media posts and discussions of folks who believe that Andrew Wylie and Lucas Niang are all the team needs outside. Let’s just agree to disagree here.
Wylie has been an amazing story for the Chiefs, the ultimate hidden gem who went from looking for meaningful work with any NFL team to becoming a spot starter at numerous positions along the offensive line for a Super Bowl team. From left guard to right tackle, all Wylie has done year after year is to step in for an injured player and perform admirably in the process—all while doing so against tough competition.
That said, Wylie has a clear ceiling and it’s not that high. The ideal spot for him to enter a new season is not as a starter, especially outside, but that’s where he would be right now if the 2022 season were to begin right now. If the Chiefs can relegate Wylie back to a super-sub role—a sixth man, if you will—then that’s the best-case scenario.
As for Niang, the poor guy just tore a patellar tendon three months ago, which means he’s not close to being ready for anything, and counting on him to be a starter at right tackle is just not done—at least not by any club known for being prepared and professional. Niang providing anything in 2022 is now a bonus and the Chiefs should focus on having him back in a reliable contributor role in 2023 and beyond knowing he could come back sooner.
That leaves the door wide open for a one-year signing of a veteran to man right tackle, work alongside the NFL’s best young line, and chase a ring in the process. To be honest, we don’t really care who does it. We’re fine with former Green Bay Packers lineman Billy Turner. We feel the same about former Seattle Seahawks lineman Germain Ifedi. If the Chiefs somehow convinced La’el Collins to sign, that sounds great, too. We just need someone with a higher ceiling than Wylie to step in and start to satisfy that need.