Kansas City, We – April 23, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have made waves in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia to the Minnesota Vikings to leap from No. 31 to No. 24, sources told ESPN. The blockbuster deal nets Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons, a cornerstone to protect Patrick Mahomes.
Suamataia, selected 63rd overall last year, was expected to anchor the left tackle spot. Yet, the BYU product faltered, yielding 8 sacks in limited 2024 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Outshined by Wanya Morris, Suamataia’s struggles prompted GM Brett Veach to pivot after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss.
The trade package includes No. 31 and a 2026 fourth-rounder, with Kansas City receiving No. 24 and a 2025 fifth-rounder. Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 317-pound stalwart, boasts an 87.4 pass-blocking grade, poised to erase memories of 41 sacks on Mahomes in 2024. Veach outmaneuvered Houston’s No. 25 bid.
Simmons’ arrival fortifies an offensive line anchored by Trey Smith and Joe Thuney. Jaylon Moore, signed for $30 million, shifts to swing tackle, while Suamataia’s exit clears a developmental logjam. Chiefs’ 20th-ranked pass protection (36% pressure rate) now has a long-term fix.
Minnesota, seeking tackle depth, views Suamataia as a reclamation project. At 22, he offers upside for a Vikings line needing youth beside Christian Darrisaw. The fifth-rounder gives Veach ammo for later picks, possibly running back Brashard Smith or defensive tackle Darius Alexander.
The trade echoes Veach’s bold 2017 move for Mahomes, showcasing his knack for high-stakes gambles. Fan buzz on X dubbed Simmons “Mahomes’ new shield,” with some lamenting Suamataia’s unrealized potential. His 2024 tape revealed footwork issues against elite rushers.
Simmons’ Big Ten pedigree primes him for AFC battles against Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett. With Travis Kelce aging and Rashee Rice emerging, Mahomes gains breathing room to dissect defenses, a must after last year’s Super Bowl collapse.
Chiefs Kingdom, your line is reborn. Josh Simmons’ arrival signals Veach’s relentless push for another Lombardi Trophy. As training camp looms, Kansas City eyes a 2025 resurgence with Simmons leading the charge.
