The Kansas City Chiefs’ left tackle dilemma has a clear solution.

The Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as one of the premier franchises in the NFL under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Since Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, the Chiefs have been one of the most successful teams in the league, capturing Super Bowl LIV, making several playoff appearances, and maintaining a stronghold atop the AFC. However, as with any championship-contending team, challenges inevitably arise. For Kansas City, one of the most pressing issues in recent seasons has been their left tackle situation.

Left tackle is one of the most important positions in football. In protecting the quarterback’s blind side, the left tackle serves as the cornerstone of the offensive line. For a quarterback like Mahomes, whose mobility and ability to extend plays often puts him at greater risk, having a reliable left tackle is critical. Over the years, the Chiefs have navigated through various iterations of their offensive line, but the left tackle position has remained a key point of uncertainty.

Despite the Chiefs’ ability to overcome the issue through strategic moves and adjustments, the left tackle dilemma is one that deserves attention. Fortunately, as the franchise looks to the future, it appears there is a clear solution to this long-standing issue—whether through in-house development, a savvy acquisition, or even a combination of both.

The Importance of the Left Tackle Position

Before diving into the specifics of the Chiefs’ left tackle dilemma, it’s crucial to understand why this position holds such significance in modern football. The left tackle is the player tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side, which is typically the left side for right-handed quarterbacks like Mahomes. A reliable left tackle can make all the difference in ensuring that the quarterback has time in the pocket to survey the field, read defenses, and make plays.

For the Chiefs, Mahomes’ unique skill set—his ability to improvise and extend plays outside the pocket—places even more pressure on the left tackle. A breakdown in protection can lead to turnovers, injuries, and missed opportunities. Thus, finding a consistent and elite left tackle has been a key goal for Kansas City’s front office, especially as Mahomes continues to develop into one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

The Chiefs’ Left Tackle History: From Eric Fisher to Orlando Brown Jr.

The Chiefs have faced significant challenges in the left tackle position over the years, particularly in terms of consistency and performance in key moments. Eric Fisher, the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, was the Chiefs’ starting left tackle for much of the 2010s. Fisher played a pivotal role in protecting Mahomes’ blind side, helping the team reach multiple playoff appearances and securing a Super Bowl title. However, after a torn Achilles in 2020, Fisher was released by the Chiefs, leaving a void at left tackle that would need to be filled.

In the wake of Fisher’s departure, the Chiefs traded for Orlando Brown Jr. from the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. Brown, a two-time Pro Bowler, was seen as a potential long-term solution at left tackle. His trade brought excitement and optimism, as he was viewed as one of the league’s premier young left tackles. Brown’s combination of size, power, and experience made him an attractive acquisition for a team looking to solidify its offensive line and protect Mahomes for years to come.

However, while Brown played well during his first season in Kansas City, his performance was not without criticism. Despite his physicality and strong pass-blocking fundamentals, Brown struggled at times with speed rushers and maintaining consistency in critical moments. Most notably, in the 2021 Super Bowl LV, Brown and the Chiefs’ offensive line struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ fierce pass rush, contributing to Mahomes’ lack of time in the pocket and a disappointing offensive performance.

As the 2022 season unfolded, Brown’s performance continued to be a mixed bag. While he showcased his abilities in the run game, his pass protection was inconsistent, leading to growing concerns about his future with the team. The Chiefs, aware of the importance of ensuring Mahomes’ health and success, faced a crossroads when it came to the left tackle position.

The Clear Solution: Drafting or Acquiring a Long-Term Answer

While the Chiefs’ offensive line struggles in recent years were certainly concerning, the situation is far from dire. With Mahomes’ contract set to be one of the highest in NFL history, Kansas City’s front office is acutely aware of the need to protect their investment. The solution to the Chiefs’ left tackle dilemma lies in securing a reliable and consistent player to fill the role for the foreseeable future. Whether through drafting a young player or acquiring one via trade or free agency, Kansas City has several avenues to address the left tackle position.

1. Drafting the Future Left Tackle

One of the most straightforward ways to solve the left tackle dilemma is to invest in a young player through the NFL Draft. Over the years, Kansas City’s general manager Brett Veach has shown a willingness to be aggressive in building his roster through the draft. In 2023, the Chiefs selected Wanya Morris, a tackle from Oklahoma, in the third round of the draft. While Morris is still developing and adjusting to the professional game, he has the potential to grow into a starting left tackle over time.

The 2024 NFL Draft could present another opportunity for Kansas City to select a top-tier left tackle prospect. Several elite offensive linemen are expected to enter the draft, including players from programs like Penn State, Michigan, and Alabama. Selecting a high-caliber left tackle in the draft would allow the Chiefs to lock in a long-term solution while continuing to develop the player alongside Mahomes and the rest of their high-powered offense.

Drafting a left tackle also comes with the benefit of a controlled salary cap hit. Unlike free-agent acquisitions or trades, drafting a player gives the Chiefs the opportunity to invest in a young talent at a relatively low cost, which can be essential when navigating the challenges of a salary-cap system. Given the financial commitment that Kansas City has made to Mahomes, it’s essential for the front office to find cost-effective ways to secure talent around him.

2. Free Agency or Trade: Acquiring a Proven Veteran

If the Chiefs choose not to go the route of drafting a left tackle, another solution lies in free agency or through a trade. Over the years, the NFL has seen several high-profile left tackles become available either through free agency or trade. The Chiefs have the financial resources to acquire a top-tier veteran to help protect Mahomes and provide stability on the offensive line.

Free-agent options for left tackle could include established players with experience in high-pressure situations. A proven veteran would immediately provide the Chiefs with the stability and experience they need, especially when trying to make a Super Bowl push. This route, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Veteran left tackles typically command high salaries, and Kansas City would need to ensure they could fit such a player under the salary cap while maintaining flexibility for other roster needs.

Trades, on the other hand, could present an opportunity for the Chiefs to acquire a younger, yet experienced left tackle. Teams that are rebuilding or in salary-cap trouble may look to trade away key players, and Kansas City could potentially find a bargain deal. Trading for a left tackle would require a careful assessment of the Chiefs’ assets, and they would need to be strategic in navigating the trade market to avoid sacrificing too much for a player who might not be a perfect fit.

3. Re-signing Orlando Brown Jr. and Developing Him Further

The Chiefs have also not ruled out the possibility of re-signing Orlando Brown Jr. to a long-term contract. Brown’s performance in 2022 was far from perfect, but he still showed his potential and ability to be a serviceable left tackle in the NFL. One option could be for the Chiefs to re-sign Brown to a one-year deal to provide stability while they continue to evaluate the position. In doing so, they could focus on developing Brown’s weaknesses and helping him improve his pass protection skills.

The Chiefs have a history of making adjustments and developing players in-house, and they could use this as an opportunity to coach Brown into the player they need him to be. While this is not an ideal long-term solution, it could serve as a temporary fix until a permanent replacement is found through the draft or free agency.

Balancing the Investment: Protecting Mahomes and the Salary Cap

The Chiefs’ approach to solving the left tackle dilemma must also take into account the team’s salary cap situation. As previously mentioned, Mahomes’ contract has a significant impact on the Chiefs’ overall cap structure, and the team needs to be strategic in how they allocate resources to ensure they have enough funds to surround Mahomes with a talented roster. Investing heavily in a left tackle—whether through a high draft pick or a veteran acquisition—could limit the team’s ability to address other areas of need, such as the defensive line, secondary, or skill positions.

Thus, balancing the investment in a left tackle with other roster priorities will be key for the Chiefs as they look to maintain their championship window. They will need to find the most cost-effective way to secure the position while still remaining competitive in other areas.