Ndamukong Suh, late-signing defensive linemen and the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are likely going to be among the late-minute shoppers at the defensive line position.

On Tuesday, future Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh stated his desired timeline. The veteran definitely wants to continue playing in 2023, but if any team expects him to participate in training camp, they might want to rethink their expectations.

At this point, no one can question Suh’s methods. He’s been an above-average run defender well into his mid-thirties, a stage of his career now tacked onto an elite run as a game-wrecking interior lineman in his twenties. Suh will play his 200th regular season game in ’23, so if any player in the National Football League knows what it takes to be ready in Week 1 on his own, it’s him.

For a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise that could use some experienced help along the inside, it’s a reminder that fans are likely going to have to wait and wait (and wait) until we see some of the roster concerns addressed.

Remember in years past, the Chiefs have reached for talents such as Melvin Ingram or Carlos Dunlap late into the summer. Even in Ingram’s case, the Chiefs got him at the trade deadline. And last season, Brandon Williams was a late-season signing as well. For a lot of these experienced players, they want to rest their bodies as much as possible and elongate the offseason. That means the Chiefs and other teams might not be done shopping even as their players report for training camp.

For those watching the Chiefs, the defensive interior is likely going to look a bit thin for some time. While we all hope for a quick splash from Keondre Coburn, a healthy return for Turk Wharton, and steady production from Derrick Nnadi, it only makes sense for the Chiefs to add some security there. Suh’s words are a reminder that the Chiefs might not address it, however, for quite some time.