Analyst: Chiefs Should Sign 99-Game Starter to Fix OL Struggles
Despite signing two experienced offensive tackles this offseason to shore up the ends of the offensive line, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to struggle at offensive tackle, particularly on quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. That’s why Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes the Chiefs should sign offensive tackle Trent Brown during the 2024 offseason.
“They originally signed Jawaan Taylor with the intention of moving him from the right to the left side, but ended up keeping him there when they signed Donovan Smith who became available because the Buccaneers released him,” Ballentine said in a post on December 20.
“It was a good notion, but Smith has failed to live up to the expectation that he could guard Mahomes’ blindside. Instead, he has had 28 blown passing blocks in 12 games this season, according to Sports Info Solutions.
“In the meantime, Trent Brown is performing admirably for a bad Patriots team in a contract year.” The 30-year-old has only 12 botched passing blocks in 10 games this season and has allowed three sacks.”
Trent Brown might be a multi-year solution at a low cost.
Brown’s 81.0 PFF grade this season is the best of his nine-year NFL career and ranks sixth among all offensive tackles. However, he will be 31 before the start of the 2024 season, and he has been inconsistent throughout his NFL career — including 99 career starts — which is why Over The Cap valued him at $4.8 million a year in the midst of a career year. That’s an excellent price for a starting offensive lineman coming off his best season in the league.
That’s why the Chiefs are a strong contender to acquire Brown to replace current starting left tackle Donovan Smith, who signed a one-year deal with the team last offseason and is presently ranked 65th among offensive tackles by PFF. Wanya Morris, the team’s rookie left tackle, has the potential to be the team’s starting left tackle of the future, but making him a swing tackle for the 2024 season will allow him to grow further while also providing solid depth along the offensive line.
Brown may provide 1-2 years of stability at left tackle for quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the team continues to develop its young receiving room while keeping its run game efficient.
Next offseason, offensive tackle should be one of Kansas City’s primary priorities.
Twitter/X Discusses Chiefs Offensive Tackles
Users on X, formerly Twitter, discussed the situation in Kansas City’s offensive tackle room.
“People like to focus on the Kansas City Chiefs’ poor wideout play, but I believe the bigger issue is their offensive line.” “Those two tackles are awful,” one person commented.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are exactly who we thought they were,” commented another person. “Offensive tackles are a liability, wide receivers aren’t dependable, and their defense, which is their best asset, hasn’t been as dominant as of late.” In August, we knew a few of those things. We simply did not want to believe it.”
“I know the Chiefs WRs been getting killed nationally, but the offensive tackles will be the ultimate downfall of this team,” the user commented.
