Three overlooked veteran guards Chiefs might call before Week 1 hits

The Kansas City Chiefs revamped parts of the offensive line once again this offseason. Rookie Josh Simmons appears to have a stranglehold on the left tackle spot entering the regular season opener. Free agent signee Jaylon Moore has competed at both tackle spots in training camp. He may also be a guard option if necessary. Meanwhile, Kingsley Suamataia has been given the opportunity to compete as the starting left guard option.

Suamataia's unsteady game film might force the Chiefs to another guard option before the regular season starts. As a run blocker, the BYU product can be a mauler and force his way into a defender's kitchen. But as we have seen continuously this year in training camp and the preseason, Suamataia is still a work in progress as a pass protector. That does not bode well for a team that will throw the ball as often as the Chiefs.

Mike Caliendo has filled in admirably at left guard. Moore could step in as simply as anyone. However, there are better options who are natural, more experienced guards if needed for Kansas City.

Some worthy options remain available at guard if the Chiefs want to sign an outside option for the upcoming regular season. Plus, Kansas City could also make a trade for help. Here are three guard names that K.C. could look into to help boost their overall offensive line floor just before the games start to count.

Dalton Risner

Dalton Risner is already used to the Chiefs' dominance in the AFC West, given his time with the Denver Broncos. After Denver, he was able to be a suitable piece for the Minnesota Vikings for parts of two seasons. Yet, Risner is still officially unsigned at this stage of the preseason (even though he's scheduled for a visit to Cincinnati).

There are many reasons why Dalton Risner would be a fit for the Kansas City offense. His mix of body positioning, understanding of leverage, and movement skills would fit in nicely in a versatile offense like the Chiefs'. The Chiefs look for their guards to attack at various angles while also being nimble enough on their feet. Risner fits that bill, and he can still be relied upon with his technique.

His starting experience should also be appealing to Kansas City. Risner has 81 career starts under his belt. As Pro Football Focus displays, he has routinely graded out as a solid pass blocker. That could entice the Chiefs to make him a late addition for their guard spot.

Shaq Mason

The Houston Texans released Shaq Mason earlier this offseason, and as the regular season draws closer, Mason is still looking for his next opportunity.

Mason may not be the same caliber of player he was early in his career with the New England Patriots. Yet, he could still offer an important sense of security for K.C. up front. Like Risner, he could certainly give the Chiefs a natural floor, setting them up for a more balanced starting five. His vast experience is also something that Kansas City could feel comfortable leaning on.

Houston's offensive line was a mess last year. But if Mason were someone the Chiefs believed in, they could perhaps control some of his weaker movement skills next to someone like Creed Humphrey. As his feet have deteriorated, Mason is still smart and tenacious with his hand technique.

Sidy Sow

It is obviously difficult to determine trade candidates who easily stand out at guard at this point of the preseason. But if you look at some of the depth charts, certain names are in crowded position battles. Those names may not have enough room available to stick with their current team.

One player who stands out in that regard is Sidy Sow of the New England Patriots. Rookie draft pick Jared Wilson and veteran Mike Onwenu are listed as the starting guards for the Patriots. Cole Strange is considered a top backup option. Plus, both Tyrese Robinson and Layden Robinson are fighting to make it as well.

That leaves Sow as someone who may just miss the cut amid his roster battle. As a player who is still relatively young, being a 2023 draft pick, that could suit the Chiefs well. Trading for Sow would be different than signing either Risner or Mason, costing Kansas City some sort of asset. However, that asset would not be close to a premium one if this trade were made. Sow's size and density could be a nice asset to have in front of Patrick Mahomes.