Patrick Mahomes called ‘biggest loser’ as the Chiefs' face major issues on offensive line after Joe Thuney trade

The Kansas City Chiefs may have celebrated a second straight Super Bowl win just months ago, but the road to a potential three-peat is already facing serious hurdles. Most notably, the team’s decision to trade away All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears has sparked widespread concern — and left franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes exposed.

Thuney, a critical anchor on the Chiefs’ offensive line, was not only a dependable guard but also showed his versatility last season by stepping in at left tackle when injuries hit late. “Thuney was the insurance policy the Chiefs turned to late last season,” said NFL analyst Jeffri Chadiha. “He assumed left tackle duties with four games left in the regular season, but he's gone.”
Now, with Thuney out and no proven replacement signed in free agency, Kansas City is gambling on patchwork solutions. Jaylon Moore, a backup left tackle from the San Francisco 49ers, was signed in the offseason. While Moore spent four years behind superstar Trent Williams, he’s untested as a starter. “Moore has been a backup behind Trent Williams for the last four years in San Francisco, which means there's no guarantee he can be an effective option,” Chadiha warned.

In a surprising move, the Chiefs may shift Kingley Suamataia — a natural tackle — to guard, a position he hasn’t played at the pro level. It’s a high-risk experiment that adds to the uncertainty already hanging over the left side of the line.

Chadiha didn’t hold back in his assessment: “Here's the problem for Mahomes: the left side remains a huge uncertainty.” He went on to label Mahomes the “loser” in this situation, not for his play, but due to the deteriorating protection around him.
While center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith are reliable fixtures returning this season, the imbalance across the line is concerning. Both were drafted in 2021 by GM Brett Veach, who now faces pressure to strike gold again in the upcoming draft.
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With the draft looming and expectations sky-high, the Chiefs must act fast. The stakes? Protecting the league’s best quarterback and keeping their championship window wide open.