NFL Execs Give Sobering Take on Chiefs’ Joe Thuney Signing

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Chiefs head coach Andy Reid

The Tremendous Bowl runner-up Kansas City Chiefs had been anticipated to make a splash this offseason by revamping its battered offensive line. Whereas the staff has largely delivered on that hypothesis, the plan hasn’t unfolded as many had anticipated though loads of massive names have already been concerned.

Starting with the surprising releases of beginning tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz on March 11, Kansas Metropolis’s frontline rehaul has to this point included the additions of three new potential starters up the center together with prized left guard Joe Thuney, together with former Professional Bowler Kyle Long and Tremendous Bowl starter Austin Blythe.

The Chiefs had been additionally “in it until the end” on San Fransico 49ers Professional Bowl LT Trent Williams earlier than he returned to the Bay Space on a six-year, $138 million megadeal final month, leaving Ok.C. with a gaping gap on Patrick Mahomes’ blindside heading into the NFL Draft.

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NFL Execs Not but Bought on Chiefs’ Rebuilt Offensive Line

In a recent column for The Athletic, Mike Sando requested NFL evaluators and executives for his or her ideas on how all 32 groups approached free company, together with main signings like Thuney. Within the Chiefs’ case, the addition of the perfect accessible inside offensive lineman — whereas a serious enchancment — isn’t being seen as a fix-all for the AFC champions heading into the 2021 season.

“You get as many good gamers as you may, however what’s accessible determines a lot,” one evaluator told Sando. “I don’t know that I really feel like, ‘Oh, wow, that fixes issues to have Joe Thuney on the Chiefs.’”

The previous New England Patriots stalwart, whom one other scout described as a “consummate professional” and “lunchpail-type man,” ought to instantly present some stability at his pure left guard spot, the place Kansas Metropolis leaned on a mix of Kelechi Osemele and later Nick Allegretti in 2020.

“I imply, they’ve obtained expertise, there’s no query, they usually’re going to win as a result of (Patrick) Mahomes can prolong performs and make unbelievable throws,” an anonymous executive said to Sando. “However in the event you get banged up, which goes to proceed to occur with him in the event that they don’t do a greater job of safety, it impacts you later within the season.”

Blythe Reveals Childhood Connection to Chiefs

Blythe, whose signing was made official on Monday, joins the Chiefs after spending the final 4 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. The 28-year-old Iowa native stayed near house throughout his collegiate profession, enjoying 4 years for the Iowa Hawkeyes after a redshirt season in 2011. Nonetheless, throughout his introductory press convention on Monday, Blythe informed reporters that he’s technically a Missouri native.

“I really was born in Kansas Metropolis,” Blythe stated on April 5. “My parents moved up to Iowa shortly after I was born and then just continued to root for the Chiefs. So (I’m) kind of coming full circle here, being able to come play for the Chiefs. Obviously, I mentioned the team has been in a great spot, the last several years and I’m just really excited to get to work.”

Blythe is a strong candidate to replace unrestricted free agent Austin Reiter under center next season. The fifth-year veteran blocker transitioned to center for the Rams last season after spending the previous three seasons at right guard, including Los Angeles’ Super Bowl run in 2018. His 70.3 Pro Football Focus grade final season ranked ninth amongst certified facilities throughout the league.

General, Blythe has began 49-of-71 profession video games — 47 of which have come over the past three campaigns. His new deal spans only one yr with a guaranteed $990,000 base salary.

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Chris Licata is an NFL contributor overlaying the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs from enemy territory in Denver, Colorado. Observe him on Twitter @Chris__Licata or be part of the Heavy on Chiefs Facebook community for the newest out of Chiefs Kingdom!