Chiefs’ offensive torch has officially been passed from Kelce and Thuney

The Kansas City Chiefs have their new offensive anchors in place.

For the last few years, as Patrick Mahomes has moved from new(er) starting quarterback to veteran at the helm, he's been able to lean on pillars like tight end Travis Kelce and offensive lineman Joe Thuney. But this offseason began a major shift in terms of those carrying the mantle of leadership with Mahomes, and the Chiefs have officially locked the new pieces in place.

With the signing of right guard Trey Smith to a lucrative new four-year extension, the Chiefs now have their two best offensive linemen locked up through the 2029 season. That gives Mahomes an elite and reliable duo in front of him to carry the team's offense for the next half-decade.

The Chiefs will now lean on a new set of offensive anchors for the next few years.

Humphrey was the first player to receive a long-term commitment from the Chiefs last August when he was given a four-year deal worth up to $72 million and over $50M in guaranteed money. Humphrey is widely recognized as the best center in the NFL, and even after making three Pro Bowls in his first four seasons, he's still only 26 years old.

Smith is on the same youthful track for the Chiefs after all, wrapping up his rookie deal. Only 12 days older than Humphrey, both players will be at the 30-year mark when they finish up their extensions. Given how elite linemen are aging well (e.g., Joe Thuney getting a new two-year extension with the Chicago Bears at the age of 32), it stands to reason that Smith and Creed might stick around even longer.

Speaking of Thuney, with the All-Pro lineman officially dealt away this offseason, the rest of the offensive front is now in flux. The team's targets are also passing the torch in a way, as Travis Kelce is perhaps suiting up for his final season in K.C. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are exciting talents, but no one should be referencing them as pillars just yet.

The inexperience at the skill positions and the instability of the rest of the offensive line are going to mean that Humphrey and Smith are shouldering a greater mantle of responsibility than ever before. The Chiefs are paying them for such demands, however, and given the way they've handled their first four years in the NFL, the new pillars should settle into their roles quite well.