The Chiefs may have found a potential long-term offensive line solution for Patrick Mahomes in a former Browns lineman, offering both immediate depth and future upside.
As the Kansas City Chiefs look to continue their dominance in the AFC and protect the legacy of their franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the offensive line remains one of the most important areas of focus. While the team has made consistent investments in the line over the past few seasons—particularly following their Super Bowl LV loss to the Buccaneers—it’s clear they’re always on the lookout for talent that can both fill gaps now and provide value down the line. One such opportunity may have quietly emerged with a player recently let go by the Cleveland Browns, whose career arc suggests untapped potential that Kansas City’s coaching staff may be well-positioned to unlock.
The Chiefs’ offensive line underwent a transformation after Mahomes spent the majority of the Super Bowl LV game running for his life. Since then, Kansas City has brought in high-profile names such as Joe Thuney and Orlando Brown Jr. and selected Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith in the 2021 NFL Draft—both of whom have become foundational players. In the 2023 offseason, they added Jawaan Taylor on a significant contract and brought in Donovan Smith to anchor the left tackle spot. Still, with Smith no longer in the picture and Taylor looking to bounce back from a penalty-ridden year, the Chiefs are once again in evaluation mode regarding the long-term makeup of the line.
Enter a former Browns offensive lineman—perhaps a name not currently dominating headlines, but one who fits the profile of a classic Chiefs reclamation project. Over the years, Kansas City has developed a reputation for identifying underappreciated or misused talent and turning them into productive players. It’s a formula that’s worked across various positions, and the offensive line is no exception. With Andy Reid’s track record of coaching offensive linemen and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy’s growing input in the trenches, Kansas City offers a system and culture that could help a discarded player find new life.
The Browns, like the Chiefs, are known for having one of the stronger offensive line units in the NFL, thanks to position coach Bill Callahan and a commitment to physical, disciplined trench play. However, even good programs can’t keep everyone, and roster squeezes or schematic fit issues sometimes lead to players becoming available despite having starter-quality traits. That appears to be the case with a certain former Cleveland lineman, whose combination of size, athleticism, and experience could offer Kansas City an intriguing developmental piece who may not only contribute in 2025, but also potentially claim a starting job in the near future.
When evaluating linemen who have been waived or released, teams like the Chiefs often look at much more than just surface-level statistics or PFF grades. They analyze footwork, body control, recovery technique, and how a player responds to pressure. In this instance, Kansas City is reportedly intrigued by the player’s natural tools—namely his length, lateral agility, and ability to anchor against power rushers. These are not qualities that can be taught; they provide a foundation from which coaches can work to build consistency in hand placement, pad level, and timing.
For Patrick Mahomes, having a reliable offensive line is more than just about protection—it’s about enabling the full range of his creativity. Mahomes isn’t just a quarterback who operates well within structure; he’s someone who makes his most dangerous plays when the structure breaks down. But even in those situations, he needs time—just an extra second or two—to make magic happen. That’s why Kansas City places such a premium on versatile, athletic linemen who can move, recover, and extend plays without committing costly penalties or missing assignments.
It’s not just about the starting five, either. Depth matters more than ever in today’s NFL, especially over a 17-game season with the ever-present risk of injury. The Chiefs saw this firsthand during the 2023 playoffs, when injuries forced shuffling along the line. It’s one thing to have a solid group of starters; it’s another to know that your backups are capable of stepping in without a significant drop in performance. That’s the kind of confidence that makes coaching staffs sleep easier at night—and it’s the kind of value a motivated former Browns lineman might bring to the table.
In Kansas City, offensive line development is also part of the broader team-building philosophy that emphasizes value and efficiency. General Manager Brett Veach has consistently shown an ability to identify potential contributors in unlikely places. Whether it’s undrafted free agents, trade targets, or recently released players, the Chiefs are always surveying the landscape for players who might thrive in their system. This approach doesn’t just save money—it ensures the roster remains flexible, adaptable, and ready to respond to the ever-changing dynamics of an NFL season.
Bringing in a player from a team like the Browns—where high-level coaching and a demanding system are the norm—means the Chiefs are likely getting someone with good fundamentals and mental toughness. Those are qualities that align well with Kansas City’s locker room culture, which values accountability and attention to detail. Moreover, any player who has spent time in a competitive room like Cleveland’s is likely familiar with the expectations and intensity of top-level play. That background could ease the transition and accelerate the learning curve.
There’s also the matter of future planning. With Joe Thuney entering the later stages of his career, and with potential contract extensions looming for younger players like Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, Kansas City will have to make some difficult decisions about how to allocate resources across the line. Having a player already in-house, developing behind the scenes and getting comfortable in the system, could provide important options when those decisions come due. It’s about more than filling a backup spot—it’s about laying the groundwork for the next wave of starters.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. The NFL is filled with stories of talented players who never quite put it all together, whether due to injuries, scheme fit, or lack of opportunity. But if there’s any environment where a promising lineman could finally realize his potential, it’s Kansas City. The combination of coaching, culture, and opportunity makes it an ideal setting for someone looking to rewrite the narrative of their career. And if the Chiefs hit on this acquisition, it could end up being one of those quietly brilliant moves that helps keep their dynasty rolling.
Patrick Mahomes may be the face of the franchise, but the players in front of him determine how often we see that face smiling, scrambling, or picking himself up off the turf. Kansas City knows this, and that’s why they never stop working to build, maintain, and future-proof their offensive line. While fans may focus on splashy signings or high draft picks, it’s often the low-key, under-the-radar additions that end up making the biggest difference when it matters most.
For a former Browns cast-off, the opportunity now lies in Kansas City—a team that values talent, welcomes second chances, and has a clear plan for maximizing every ounce of potential. For Mahomes, it could mean added security in the pocket and a deeper well of trust in his protection. For the Chiefs as a whole, it represents yet another smart move in a long string of calculated decisions aimed at sustaining greatness. In a league where margins are razor thin and every roster spot counts, Kansas City may have just found an answer that could pay dividends far beyond this season.
