The Kansas City Chiefs have tried high-priced bandaids at left tackle in recent years, but may finally have the solution within reach to protect Patrick Mahomes‘ blindside.
Despite winning a third Super Bowl, and second in as many seasons, Mahomes was still sacked 27 times during the 2023 season.
Fortunately for the Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Tyron Smith is about to reach free agency and could be the solution general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid have been looking for as an anchor along the offensive line.
CBS Sports lists Smith as the Kansas City Chiefs’ best free agent fit this offseason.
“I wrote this one in pen as soon as reports emerged that Smith would not return to Dallas,” Jared Dubin writes. “It makes far too much sense for him to land in K.C. if that’s the case. He can chase the long-awaited Super Bowl ring while the Chiefs get a top-tier tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.”
Smith remains largely in the prime of his career, and adding him along the offensive line could go a long way towards Kansas City becoming the first franchise to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Given that the Cowboys are currently over $4 million over the cap, Dallas might be priced out of Smith’s market.
Why Tyron Smith Makes Sense for Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes is the most important player to the Chiefs’ trajectory as perennial Super Bowl favorites. Keeping Mahomes upright is paramount.
This past season, as Pro Football Focus points out, Smith allowed only one sack, while PFF awarded the 33-year-old an elite 88.6 pass-blocking grade and an 83.8 overall mark while listing him as the outlet’s No. 4 ranked offensive tackle in the NFL.
Can the Kansas City Chiefs Afford Tyron Smith?
It will likely take some serious cap creativity by Veach if the Chiefs are going to afford Smith.
As free agency looms on March 13, the Kansas City Chiefs have approximately $9.6 million in cap space. However, Kansas City still must figure out how to keep All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones in the fold, and whether to trade All-Pro cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
Likewise, Spotrac projects Smith’s market value somewhere in the area of $7.4 million.
The Chiefs may need to make some smart maneuvering to make a Smith signing possible, but he would immediately elevate the potential of one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
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