Chiefs’ Andy Reid on Adding a Left Tackle: ‘Won’t Say No,’ But Focused on ‘These Kids That Are Here’

The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs are facing a notable concern at left tackle. After starting left tackle Wanya Morris was injured during Sunday’s win over Denver, rookie Kingsley Suamataia took over but struggled in his place. Morris returned late in the game, but his own challenges highlighted the vulnerability of Patrick Mahomes’ blind side as the game wore on.

Although Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has been proactive in strengthening his Super Bowl-contending roster through trades and signings, he has yet to address the left tackle position.

Head coach Andy Reid hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing in a veteran left tackle but emphasized that his focus remains on the players currently on the roster. “He looks at everything. I’m not going to say ‘No,’” Reid said, according to the Kansas City Star. “But what we do as coaches—and we’ve overemphasized this—we’re going to focus in on these kids that are here.”

In Sunday’s game, Mahomes faced pressure on 20 out of 49 dropbacks (40.8%), the highest pressure rate he’s seen since Week 8 of 2023 (also against the Broncos). Suamataia allowed six pressures and one sack on 34 pass-blocking snaps, while Morris allowed just one pressure on 15 snaps, according to Next Gen Stats.

For the season, Suamataia has allowed a pressure rate of 12.5% on 96 pass-blocking snaps, while Morris has allowed 10.2% on 256 snaps, both the highest rates among the Chiefs’ offensive linemen (Trey Smith follows with 7.4% on 351 pass-blocking snaps).

Should the Chiefs choose to make a move before the postseason, there are a few veteran options available. David Bakhtiari, a free agent, could be a potential fit as he seeks a Super Bowl ring, and former left tackle Donovan Smith, who played for the Chiefs last year, is also available and may be open to a return.

For now, however, the Chiefs are placing their trust in the two young players to develop in the role. “They’re getting better. I know it’s hard to see at times, but there’s progress being made,” Reid said. “We’re going to be OK as we go forward.”

While the Chiefs have made improvements to their receiving corps and defense this season, the left tackle position remains the team’s biggest question mark as they aim for a third consecutive championship. Over the next few weeks, it will become clear whether they decide to add a veteran or move forward into January with two young players protecting Mahomes’ blindside.