Jesse Newell called it: The Kansas City Chiefs were looking for interior line help.
A few days ago, Newell, the Chiefs reporter for The Athletic, stated that Kansas City was interested in gaining some security as the preseason concluded along the offensive front. Specifically, as the Chiefs have dealt with a patchwork line in training camp and exhibitions to counter some injuries to starters, Newell believed that K.C. was frustrated by their overall depth.
On Tuesday night, the Chiefs remedied those concerns with a minor trade. In dealing a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New York Giants, the Chiefs have added lineman Josh Ezeudu.
Who is new Chiefs offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu?
The Chiefs inherit Ezeudu on a one-year, $1.3 million deal signed just after the start of the new league year in March. It was then that the Giants decided to bring back Ezeudu for a fifth season with the team after his rookie contract expired following the '25 campaign. The Giants had originally selected Ezeudu in the third round (No. 67 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.
Over his four seasons with the Giants, Ezeudu, who will turn 27 in September, has played in 33 games, although none since the 2024 campaign. He had 160 snaps that season, mostly at left tackle with some at left guard. He played 266 snaps at left tackle in 2023 and 289 snaps at left guard the year before that.
Josh Ezeudu’s versatility could prove especially valuable
Ezeudu's most recent experience at tackle brings an interesting angle to the acquisition, since left tackle Josh Simmons has remained out of practice and preseason games for several days with a back injury. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has stated multiple times that the injuries up front, which include a hip injury for right guard Trey Smith, were short-term in nature, but perhaps they're finding the healing process is moving slower than expected.
In practice, the Chiefs have been forced to move Jaylon Moore to left tackle in place of Simmons and, at times, Kahlil Benson from right tackle inside to right guard in Smith's place. The Chiefs brought back Mike Caliendo for interior line depth with Hunter Nourzad and C.J. Hanson as additional veterans competing for reps. Rookie free agents Josh Thompson (LSU) and Pete Nygra (Louisville) are also in place.
If the concerns are at tackle., the Chiefs also have Esa Pole, Chu Godrick, and Ethan Driskell after having traded Wanya Morris to the Atlanta Falcons earlier this season. Ezeudu can clearly fill in there, but it would be surprising if the Chiefs dealt a tackle only to trade for one as well. It's the versatility offered by Ezeudu that likely made him an enticing trade target for a team that's already shifting parts up front before a new season even begins.
Chiefs add insurance to an offensive line with significant upside
The Chiefs have the makings of an impressive offensive line if they can stay healthy. Simmons is a true franchise tackle in the making. Creed Humphrey is the best center in the game. Trey Smith has made the last two Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC. Kingsley Suamataia has been a pleasant surprise at left guard. This leaves only right tackle as a "questionable" position, but even there, they have competitors that provide a predictable floor.
Ezeudu now gives K.C. even more experience up front along with another player to plug into a number of places. That should ease any tension around the current injuries in case a player encounters a snag in his expected timeline for recovery.
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