The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line has undergone major reconstructive surgery this offseason. By the time next season kicks off, it’ll be nearly unrecognizable from last year’s version. But there’s still one final procedure needed to finish the transformation.
Kansas City started the overhaul with a bold move. In mid-March, they traded three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
They followed that by signing unproven left tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year deal. Moore spent the last four seasons in San Francisco mostly as a backup, but with 12 career starts—including five in 2024—he’s flashed enough potential to warrant a bigger role.
Then came the draft. The Chiefs used their first-round pick on Josh Simmons, a high-upside offensive tackle from Ohio State. He’s viewed as the long-term answer at left tackle, but he’s coming off a torn patella, and there’s still uncertainty around his recovery timeline.
The right side of the line, thankfully, remains stable. Creed Humphrey returns as the anchor at center—arguably the best in the league—and he’ll be flanked again by guard Trey Smith, who was franchise-tagged this offseason as the team works toward a long-term deal.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor rounds out the right side. He’s had his ups and downs, but compared to the questions on the left, he’s not the immediate concern.
Moore might emerge as a capable left tackle, and Simmons could grow into a star. But right now, both are gambles. And the void left by Thuney at left guard looms even larger.
That’s where free agent Brandon Scherff comes in.
Still on the market, Scherff is the ideal target for the Chiefs to wrap up their offensive line rebuild. At this stage of the offseason, he can likely be signed at a discount, making a one-year deal both sensible and strategic.
Scherff was the fifth-overall pick in 2015 and spent seven seasons in Washington, earning five Pro Bowl nods and one All-Pro selection. While he’s no longer at his peak, he’s still far better than any left guard option currently on Kansas City’s roster or available in free agency.
Over the past three seasons with the Jaguars, Scherff didn’t miss a single game. That kind of reliability would give the Chiefs a plug-and-play option they can count on.
This is a perfect fit. One final stitch to complete the offensive line operation. If the Chiefs want a steady, proven presence to protect Patrick Mahomes and anchor the left side, signing Brandon Scherff is the move.
