The Kansas City Chiefs overcame a lot in the 2023 season to win Super Bowl 58. They are now back-to-back champions, continuing to build upon their legacy as one of the most dominant dynasties that the NFL has seen.
No matter what challenges have been thrown at them, they have found a way to overcome them. This season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes showed just how special he can be, leading what was, at times, an underwhelming supporting cast to his third Super Bowl title in five years.
Kansas City was lacking weapons in the passing game, as the No. 1 receiver was rookie Rashee Rice. While still a productive player, star tight end Travis Kelce began showing signs of slowing down throughout the season. On top of that, the Chiefs’ offense line left a lot to be desired.
NFL News & Rumors: Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
We have seen what a poor offensive line can do. The Chiefs lost in the Super Bowl in 2021 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because their offensive line couldn’t block for Mahomes. While this year’s unit wasn’t as poor, it is an area the team will assuredly look to make some additions to in the offseason.
Who could they look to bring in? Over at PFF, Brad Spielberger has suggested the Chiefs as a landing spot for veteran offensive tackle, Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. Smith is the highest-ranked offensive lineman in PFF’s free agent rankings this year, coming in at No. 14.
“If Smith were to leave the one team he’s ever played with, the team that he nearly completed an eight-year extension with before signing a reduced one-year deal in 2023, it would presumably have to be a clear Super Bowl contender.
So, the Chiefs are our obvious selection here, looking to replace veteran Donovan Smith with another veteran in Smith, who is still one of the best blindside pass protectors in the NFL when healthy,” wrote Spielberger.
‘When healthy’ is the key words for describing Smith. He has been unable to stay on the field in recent seasons consistently. This past season, he played 13 games, but only four in 2022. In 2021, he played in 11 and only two in 2020.
NFL News & Rumors: Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
Smith has missed at least three games in eight consecutive seasons. If the Chiefs are going to bring him in as their starting left tackle to replace Donovan Smith, they are going to ensure they have a capable swing tackle behind him. That backup swing tackle will almost assuredly be starting a handful of games in his place.
In 2023, Smith received stellar grades, as Speilberger hinted. He recorded an overall grade of 83.8, with an elite pass-blocking grade of 88.6. His run-blocking grade of 70.5 wasn’t the best performance of his career, but was an improvement over what he was producing in recent seasons.
Likely looking to latch on with a contender, the Chiefs would fit the bill for Smith. Not only do they have a chance to contend for another Super Bowl, he will have a starting spot in the lineup as long as he is healthy.
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