NFL analyst Steve Muench pointed directly at left tackle Josh Simmons and his injury history.

“You have your left tackle is Josh Simmons, who I loved coming out of Ohio State. Did you miss 17 games, I think, over the last two years?” Muench said. “Or 19 games. He missed nine games, he fell to 31 for concerns about the durability.”

That question shows the main concern. Simmons came into the league as a top talent, but staying on the field has been an issue, with him only featuring in eight games in 2025.

“He was the most talented offensive lineman in last year’s draft class. A lot of good guys,” Muench said. “When he was on the field, he was awesome for the Chiefs

In fact, Simmons’ 2025 season earned him a 62.7 PFF grade for his time on the field, playing 500+ snaps and allowing just two sacks.

“He’s missed, I think, 19 games over the last two years,” Muench added. “10 games with a knee injury at Ohio State. Eight games last year. He had a personal issue. He had some injuries.”

That brings the focus back to availability. The Chiefs may have talent, but they cannot ignore how often their players have missed time. With Jawaan Taylor also now with the Atlanta Falcons, the O-line void is hard to ignore.

That makes the situation uncertain on both sides of the line. And with questions around durability and experience, the focus now shifts to what the Chiefs might do next.

Chiefs Could Target Tackle Depth in 2026 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs could head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear focus on fixing their offensive line depth. It’s not just about one weak spot, but the overall stability of the unit that has raised questions over time.

Trending slideshow: NFL Rankings 2026: Top 10 Players With Longest Tackles In The Regular Season

Kalzang Uzor Gurung

According to Nate Taylor of ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs still have work to do up front. While Chris Jones and free-agent addition Khyiris Tonga headline the group, depth remains a concern, especially after Omarr Norman-Lott saw his 2025 season cut short by a torn ACL last October.

has also pointed to the bigger picture for the Kansas City Chiefs. While Chris Jones remains elite, the 31-year-old’s usage on the edge at times only highlights the need for reinforcements inside.

Names like Peter Woods, LT Overton, and A’Mauri Washington have been floated as potential additions, signaling a clear push to strengthen the interior moving forward.

The Chiefs do have room to fix things. With nine picks, including the No. 9 overall selection, they are in a good position to add help where it’s needed.

Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Benson has been a long-time fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, his hometown team. The WR explained how surreal it was to talk to the whole team in a Zoom meeting.

“That was a special moment. In this process,  I think about the journey that it took for me to get here,” Benson told Bri Amaranthus of the Oregon Ducks on SI. “Growing up a Chiefs fan, when you get into the Zoom, and you see Coach (Andy) Reid, offensive coordinator (Eric Bieniemy) – the whole time, I just have this smile on my face.”

Benson recorded 4.37 seconds in a 40-yard dash and 32.5 inches in vertical jump at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Benson said that the interactions with them were more about him as a person and not just about the game. He expressed how the “little kid” in him was just “super excited” to meet his hometown team.

“It wasn’t even honestly really about the ball too much. It was more about just me as a person,” Benson added. “I probably had a smile on my face for probably an hour after that meeting. It didn’t even feel real until it was over.”

Benson has appeared in 41 games across 3 seasons playing for Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida State Seminoles and Oregon Ducks.

He caught 81 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 14.7 yards per reception across his career.

His arc from Alabama, with 13 receptions for 162 yards in 2023, went to a career high 43 receptions for 719 yards with Oregon in 2025.

Such production landed him as a legitimate wide receiver prospect heading into the 2026 NFL draft. 

Malik Benson Draws Interest From an NFC Team

Malik Benson had a meeting with the Dallas Cowboys as well. They asked Benson about his voluntary community service in Alabama that he did years ago, which took Benson by surprise.

During a conversation with Bri Amaranthus, Benson said he was pretty impressed with the Cowboys’ research and off-the-field performance questions focusing on him and his past activities.  

“People don’t ever bring that up – when you’re doing community service, I don’t want any pats on the back just because I’m doing things for the community,” Benson said. “But once they brought that up, I was like, ‘man, these teams really do their research on everything.’ There is not one thing that they don’t know.”

Benson added that he did voluntary activities by visiting elementary schools and helping with turkey drives. 

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a week away, and for Benson, the kid who grew up watching Chiefs games in Kansas, the moment he has spent a lifetime preparing for is finally within reach.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Kansas City Chiefs Community.

Trending slideshow: Top 10 Consensus WR Prospects in NFL Draft 2026

Sparsh Tiwari

While speaking on the Sleeper Chiefs, Veach talked about the different positions the Chiefs can use their No. 9th overall pick in the NFL 2026 Draft. 

“There’s a lot of areas to improve on our roster on both sides of the football,” Veach said. “So I think it does open up that nine picks to go in any one direction, and certainly we’ll see how the first five or six picks go.”

As on Chiefs.com, the Kansas City Chiefs possess nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Among them are two first-round picks, with No. 9 and No. 29. 

This first round and overall No. 9th pick happens to be the highest that the Chiefs have received in a decade. This high pick gives them the leverage of drafting a premium developmental prospect.

During his interaction, GM Veach has made it clear that he hasn’t ruled out any possibility for the improvement of their roster. 

“I think whether it’s the defensive backfield, offensive line, edge rusher, receiver, again, we need help in all those areas. So I do think that we’ll be in a position there to get one of those players and then add throughout the course of the draft.”

For the Chiefs’ 2026 NFL endeavors, the Chiefs GM has emphasized a lot on the importance of patience. He has given the time to recognize their needs and the right evaluation on each player ahead of the draft. 

Meanwhile, mock drafts are popping up, and fans are wondering who could be in consideration for the Chiefs’ 9th pick.

Which Athletes Can the Chiefs Consider for Their 9th Pick?

After the losses in the last season, the Chiefs are on the path of reloading their roster for the 2026 NFL season.

Based on last year’s performance, the Chiefs are looking for a pass rusher to complement George Karlaftis, who led the Chiefs’ defense with the highest efficiency of 16.8% of pressure rate. 

For this, several mock drafts and analysts, including FanSided‘s Cody Williams, have projected Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. for the position. 

With the departure of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs may need a new cornerback. According to Pro Football Network, Mansoor Delane could be the answer to that problem. 

Also, as per Charles Goldman from A to Z Sports, William Lee is another CB to consider for the Chiefs.

According to Fox Sports, the Chiefs can pursue Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, and USC’s Makai Lemon to increase the depth on wide receivers. This move will assist Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. 

With this said, the Kansas City Chiefs are building their roster to quickly return to championship contention.

Who do you think the Chiefs would pick as their 9th Pick?

Follow Kansas City Chiefs Community for more.

Trending slideshow: Ranking the Chiefs’ best draft picks under GM Brett Veach: Patrick Mahomes’ Protector’s claim 2nd and 3rd

Geosam James

Reported by podcaster and content creator Farzin Vousoughian, former Chiefs RB Christian Okoye shared his thoughts via One 54 that the Chiefs not making the 2025 playoffs was “probably the best thing that could have happened to the Chiefs. Let them rest.”

“You have to understand that for seven years straight, they played in the AFC Championship game, seven years straight,” said the Hall of Famer Okoye. “Five of those years, they went to the Super Bowl, that’s a lot of football, that’s four games more than any other team, that’s an extra season.”

Since 2015, under head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs have played two divisional finals, three conference finals, four Super Bowls, and one wild card.

In 2025, the Chiefs missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record, ending a 10-year streak of playoff qualification, and finished third in the AFC West.

“Taking a break last year is probably the best thing that could have happened to the Chiefs,” said Okoye. “Let them rest. I wasn’t disappointed or anything like that. “

The Chiefs were competitive in almost every game with a positive point differential of (+34), but due to the season-ending injury (ACL tear) of QB Patrick Mahomes in Week 15, they were not able to close them out. 

For a team that has defined the league’s standard in recent years, the reset might carry as much value as another postseason push.

Kansas City Chiefs Begin Roster Reset Ahead of 2026 Season

After their 2025 loss, the Chiefs have begun reshaping their roster, as Trent McDuffie was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, while Isiah Pacheco and Bryan Cook joined the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, in free agency.

On the other hand, they have retained tight end Travis Kelce for his 14th season with the Chiefs. And Veterans like James Winchester and Tyquan Thornton, too.

According to the Chiefs’ official website, they have added coach DeMarco Murray to improve their running backs and coach Chad O’Shea for their wide receivers. 

The reset now shifts into execution as Kansas City looks to translate rest into results in 2026.

Read more on the Kansas City Chiefs Community

Trending slideshow: Chiefs in the Playoffs: Tracking 10 Years of Contention Since 2015

SANJANA BHALERAO

Sports Illustrated reporter Bri Amaranthus spoke to Oregon tight end Sadiq about that meeting, and the young prospect didn’t hold back while talking about Kelce.

“He just came down the hallway from signing his contract,” Sadiq said in Arrowhead Corner’s X post. “He’s just a super cool guy, especially everything that everyone has told me about him. He’s a super down-to-earth person, he’s not going to try to ego you by any means or anything like that.”

Travis Kelce rejoined the Chiefs in March 2026, signing a three-year $54.7 million deal with a one-year option if need be.

In the latest mock draft by Pete Sweeney and Blair Kerkhoff of The Star, the Chiefs are expected to trade in the first round and select Sadiq as a future option at the position.

Sadiq has built his own case as a top prospect. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, the fastest ever recorded for a tight end. As noted by the NFL, it was one of the best performances of the event.

The Chiefs’ 2025 season also raised questions around the tight end group. The team struggled for consistency, with Kelce failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark for a third season.

With Kelce still leading the group but long-term plans coming into focus, attention now shifts to whether Sadiq could fit into that future.

Can Kenyon Sadiq Be Travis Kelce’s Long-Term Successor in Kansas City?

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, teams are already looking at future needs. The Chiefs may not need an immediate replacement, but Kenyon Sadiq has emerged as a strong option.

Trending slideshow: Top 10 Chiefs Draft Picks (2022–2024) Who Peaked in 2025

Vidhi Turakhia

Sadiq brings the kind of athletic traits teams look for at the position. He stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 245 pounds, giving him a solid frame for both blocking and receiving.

His college production also backs that up. Last season at Oregon, Sadiq finished with 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, showing he can be a reliable target.

Those numbers highlight his role in the offense and his ability to deliver when needed.

For Kansas City, the focus will not just be on talent but also on development. Kelce is still active, but the team will still need to manage the position carefully. If Sadiq adjusts well to the NFL level, he could slowly grow into a bigger role over time.

Sadiq checks many boxes with his size, speed, and production, but the Chiefs may not need an immediate change, with Kelce’s long-term plans also impacting things significantly.

Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Aikman talked about that phone call from 2002 on the April 14th episode of the New Heights Podcast. Reid wanted him to come out of retirement.

Aikman was in charge of a live Fox broadcast at the old Jack Murphy Stadium to cover the face-off between the Arizona Cardinals and the Eagles. After Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb broke his leg, Aikman was getting ready for halftime. That’s when his producer, Richie Zion, asked him to call a number.

“He says, ‘Hey, it’s Andy.’ And I said, ‘Andy Reid?’ He said, ‘Yeah. You heard what happened? And I said, ‘Yeah.’ And he goes, ‘Well, I want to talk to you. I said, ‘Andy, I’m in the middle of a broadcast.'”

Once the game ended, Aikman called Reid to know what he wanted to talk about.

“I called him after the game, and he was selling me on why I should come out of retirement and go sign with the Eagles,” Aikman said.

When a coach loses their starter in the middle of a run, they have to think outside the box, and Aikman was the first option that came to Reid’s mind. He made history as the Cowboys’ first rookie quarterback to open a season since Roger Staubach in 1969.

By the time he retired, Aikman had racked up 90 wins in the 1990s, the most by any starting quarterback in a single decade in NFL history at that point.

But he stood firm and did not answer to Reid’s call. Ty Detmer, the backup, went down the next week, and A.J. Feeley took over. McNabb came back, and the Eagles made it to the NFC Championship, proving Reid’s system without needing a Hall of Fame player.

This shows that even after he retired, his name was strong enough to get one of the best coaches in the NFL to call him up.

Andy Reid almost came out of retirement in 2003

After wrapping up his 11-year journey with the Cowboys, Aikman focused on broadcasting. Even though he successfully dodged Reid’s proposal, he revealed he had almost returned to the league in 2003 to join the Miami Dolphins.

“I had a chance initially, and I was gonna do it quite honestly,” Aikman told Schefter in an interview in 2023. “I was gonna come back, and the Dolphins were looking at me.”

Aikman already had strong ties to the Miami Dolphins coaching staff, especially Norv Turner, who served as his offensive coordinator in Dallas from 1991 to 1993 during the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl runs.

Dave Wannstedt added another Dallas connection, having led the Cowboys’ defense from 1989-92.

Miami, with Jay Fiedler at the helm for most of the year, went 10-6 in 2003 and secured second place in the AFC East. However, it was not enough to reach the postseason.

“As you know, these network jobs like this, they’re hard to come by,” Aikman added. “It’s something that never happened. I’m glad it didn’t.”

So Aikman’s comeback plan did not materialize.

Share your thoughts on the Reid-Aikman conversation.

Find more news at Kansas City Chiefs Community.

“The NFL and NFLPA informed clubs today of results from their annual helmet laboratory testing, including position-specific helmets for QB, OL and DL and an expanded list of banned helmet models,” reported NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on April 16.

The NFL and NFLPA conducted the laboratory research with the help of biomechanical experts and the joint engineering and safety committee. The purpose?

An annual test to find out which helmets are best for reducing head impact magnitude. They have categorized their findings based on three categories: “better laboratory performance,” “not recommended,” and “newly prohibited.”

The Riddell Axiom 3D, VICIS ZERO2-R MATRIX ID 2025, and Schutt F7 Pro, among others, are the green-tier helmets, safest for use. Similarly, Riddell SpeedFlex True and Riddell SpeedFlex fall in the yellow zone, according to the findings.

The Schutt Vengeance DCT and the Xenith Shadow helmets have been banned for 2026.

This year, there are also rankings for each position. The VICIS ZERO2 MATRIX QB is the best for quarterbacks, while the VICIS TRENCH MATRIX ID 2024 is recommended for offensive linemen.

For defensive linemen, the VICIS ZERO2-R MATRIX ID 2024 and Schutt F7 Pro, among others, are the best fit. Depending on where a player lines up, the same helmet can work very differently.

The poster highlights lab-tested helmet data that’s shared with NFL players and staff to inform better gear decisions. Yet, while rankings provide direction, players will ultimately have to choose based on their personal factors.

For instance, the factors of comfort, fit, durability, and medical history will all play a crucial role in the decision.

NFL Shifts to a New Gear as Concussion Concerns Continue to Grow

According to The Athletic’s reports, across all plays, offense, defense, and special teams, NFL players recorded 168 concussions in 2025. It marked an increase from 129 the year before.

Going by the NFL’s findings, 44% of in-game concussions were related to face-mask impacts. It is againn 29% more witnessed in 2015.

“We’ve seen substantial improvements in the helmet shells over the last few years, but we have not seen a similar improvement in face masks in their ability to deter some of these concussions,” NFL EVP Jeff Miller said at the league’s annual meeting.

More hits happen to the front of the helmet. Since that part doesn’t cushion impact as well, it leads to more concussions.

What do you think about the NFL and NFLPA’s new initiative for players’ safety? Drop in your comments.

Read more at Kansas City Chiefs Community.

Behind Patrick Mahomes, the team is old, thin, and losing important players. Now, one of the most respected national media voices, Matt Miller from ESPN, has called them out.

Miller didn’t think twice about going straight at the Chiefs.

“We have to look at a team and ask who is the Right Tackle long-term because Jaylon Moore is on a 1-yr deal? Who’s replacing Chris Jones who is 32? Who’s replacing McDuffie & Watson who are now with the Rams? This is a team that is devoid of talent so deeply throughout their entire roster. Let’s not even get into Tight End,” Miller said on the ESPN show.

Miller’s worries are important.

The Chiefs’ offensive line has been one of the worst at protecting the quarterback over the past two seasons. While Mahomes was sacked 36 times in the 2024 season, last year the number was 34.

Losing both McDuffie and Watson to the Rams at the same time takes away two of the Chiefs’ most dependable coverage players from an already weak secondary.

The Chiefs’ front office has always been focused on being lean and efficient. This strategy worked when the team was young, but now it is facing its biggest stress test.

Brett Veach has a tough offseason ahead of him, and the choices he makes will decide if this dynasty has another chapter.

That margin for error wasn’t always this small, and the only reason The Chief has a dynasty to protect is that one scout refused to back down in a crowded draft room.

The Night Ryne Nutt Convinced The Chiefs To Draft Chris Jones

A heated argument in the Chiefs’ draft room almost ten years ago changed the team forever.

Ryne Nutt, who was an area scout at the time and is now the vice president of player personnel, remembers everything. He didn’t hold back on how divided that room really was when he talked about it on the Running It Back podcast.

“There was a big argument,” Nutt recalled. “People had reservations about Chris.”  

The Chief has three Lombardi trophies in a case today because of that one argument and the man who was willing to fight it. Since his debut, Jones has recorded 222 solo tackles, 87.5 sacks, 3 forced recoveries, and a couple of interceptions for the Chiefs.

But Nutt wasn’t done; he went back to the tape and made his case again.

“I watched all of their tapes. I’ve done both. This is the better player,” he added later.

Dorsey traded down, got the 37th pick from San Francisco, and used it to get Jones. Jones went on to win three Super Bowls, was named to the Pro Bowl seven times, and is considered one of the best to play for the Chiefs.

Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Trending slideshow: Top 10 Rookie Contract Values in 2026: Chiefs Will Pay $30M to 9th Pick

SANJANA BHALERAO

Peter Schrager, who hosts The Schrager Hour, said that the Chiefs would pick Caleb Lomu with the 29th pick.

“It’s not gonna wow the folks at home and Chiefs fans might not love this, but with the 29th overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs select Caleb Lomu,” Schrager said.

The Chief drafted Josh Simmons a year ago, but there is still some uncertainty about him. Lomu’s Utah team went 11-2 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12 in 2025.

Schrager said that Lomu wasn’t the most well-known player in this class. Well, that honor goes to his teammate Spencer Fano. 

However, he said that Lomu was still a first-round talent who didn’t get as much attention.

That goes perfectly with what the Chiefs believe. Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith were never big-name picks, but they both became important parts of the team.

If Lomu follows that pattern, the 29th pick isn’t a stretch; it’s just the Chiefs using a method that has worked before.

Chiefs Eye Kevin Coleman Jr. with Two First-Round Picks in 2026 NFL Draft

The Chiefs are still focused on the trenches, but with two first-round picks, they’re looking at more options as draft night approaches.

Kevin Coleman Jr., a wide receiver from Missouri, has been getting a lot of attention lately. He had a great moment at the Chiefs’ annual Local Pro Day.

Coleman talked about his experience on the Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams:

“It was a local pro day, but it was amazing. It was amazing just stepping on where, like, my campus was, stepping into the facility, and just talking to Andy Reid, Coach Reid. When I walked up to coach Reid, I introduced myself. It kind of shocked me when he told me, like, Hey, I already know who you are. And I’m like, this legend. Just know who I am. Just one step closer. So just keep working,” he said.

Coleman also described the impact of simply being in Andy Reid’s presence.

“He was right there, but just seeing him, because I was just there watching local pro day. So because I’ve been doing anything, I’m just watching coach up the quarterbacks, sit back and watch the guys. I don’t even know how to describe him. It was just like a wow moment for me,” he added later.

Last season, he scored a touchdown for 732 yards in 13 games for the Tigers. Although the numbers don’t look that inspiring, Coleman was a workhorse for Missouri, leading with 66 catches.

With draft night closing in, the former Tigers standout is letting his work speak for itself and making clear that suiting up for the Chiefs is something he genuinely wants.

Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Trending slideshow: Chiefs Free Agency Tracker: Complete List Of All Player Lost and Signed After Day 1

Sanjana Bhalerao

But now, Rashee Rice is taking his preparation to a completely different level. He is currently grinding through the spring alongside renowned private coach David Robinson.

 “EXCLUSIVE: #Chiefs receiver Rashee Rixe has been working with renowned coach, David Robinson, he tells @MLFootball,” According to the media outlet MLFootball on X.”David says: “Rashee Rice is on a mission focused and ready to prove he is the best WR in the league.””

Rice enters the 2026 offseason fully healthy after previously dealing with a frustrating knee injury that he suffered in the 2024 season against the Chargers and concussion issues that kept him away from the field in the 2025 season.

Fortunately for Rice, the NFL officially closed its personal conduct investigation and will not suspend him for the 2026 season.

The Chiefs receiver has trained closely with wide receiver coach Robinson since 2023. Robinson helped the young receiver reflect on his rookie year with the Chiefs, when Rice recorded 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns.

For Rashee Rice, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year. The Kansas City Chiefs wideout is entering the final season of his rookie deal, a four-year, $6.495 million contract signed after going No. 55 overall in 2023, with a base salary of around $1.63 million this year.

With free agency looming in 2027 and Rice already pushing for a bigger payday, this now becomes a prove-it season, especially after his recent public push.

Rashee Rice’s Push for “JSN Money”

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is heading into the 2026 season knowing exactly what he wants. With his current contract ending soon, he has made it clear how much money he expects the team to pay him to stay.

Trending slideshow: 10 Things to Know about Rashee Rice

Geosam James

 During a recent livestream on Instagram, Rice said he expects “JSN money” to stay in Kansas City long-term, pointing to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks.

On the field, Rice has shown clear signs of becoming a primary weapon for Patrick Mahomes, being active on the Chiefs’ offense.

However, his absences raise questions about whether he can sustain his production over a full season.

Even though his rookie season was promising, the mix of durability concerns and an ongoing legal situation makes a record-breaking extension interesting.

What do you think Rice’s comeback preparation will get him in terms of his desired contract amount? Let us know in the comments! Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!