The Kansas City Chiefs may have to make some tough decisions real soon regarding their left tackle position. With promising but inconsistent performances from rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year player Wanya Morris, the Chiefs’ protection concerns have become too visible to ignore. Suamataia initially won the starting role coming out of the Chiefs training camp, but since then, he has lacked experience, particularly when Morris temporarily left the Denver Broncos game due to injury. As a result, Chiefs fans and analysts alike are debating if it’s time for Kansas City to bring in a seasoned veteran to bolster their line and stabilize the offense.
In Sunday’s 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos, it would be an understatement to say that Kansas City’s pass protection struggled. Patrick Mahomes was sacked four times, and the Broncos had nine quarterback hits, which is the most times Mahomes has had this season. This reality heavily deterred the Chiefs’ ability to execute a consistent passing game. It also highlights how important it is for the Chiefs to have a reliable pass-blocking on Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. This won’t only help to improve Mahomes’ performance, which has not been up to his usual standards this season, but it will also help to prevent any further injury on Mahomes, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury himself.
Protection Challenges Facing the Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have built this season’s success on the back of their defense, with a combination of smart special teams play and efficient offensive play. However, their most recent game against the Broncos revealed arguably their greatest weakness: the left tackle position. Without consistent pass protection, half of what they do offensively just goes out of the window. While Morris’s injury contributed to a difficult day on the line, Suamataia struggled in his place; both players have struggled for the most part this season, more so Suamatia, which is why he was initially benched after Week 2.
When Morris left the field in the second quarter, the pressure on Mahomes intensified, and the Chiefs surrendered those four sacks. Mahomes barely had any time in the pocket to work with, which we saw led to multiple inaccurate deep balls. The pressure also disrupted the team’s normally efficient third-down conversions, a league-leading aspect of their offense this season. Third-down efficiency largely depends on clean pockets and steady protection, which has been sporadic at best from the left tackle spot. The interior of the Chiefs line has held firm for most of this season. Even the right tackle position, which has had its concerns, has not become such a glaring weakness for the Chiefs it is something they need to address sooner rather than later, especially as they enter into the latter part of the NFL season.
Fortunately, the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes at the helm, and he’s known for his poise and his ability to create even under constant pressure. However, even if that may be the case, all quarterbacks have limits, and this includes Mahomes. After a while, he can become antsy in the pocket, which would affect his accuracy and decision-making. This is exactly what we saw happen on the Chiefs’ final offensive drive, Mahomes missed two potential touchdown throws, a rarity that hints at how left tackle struggles have impacted his play.
Kansas City Chiefs Exploring Veteran Options
With Morris and Suamataia’s limitations exposed, the Chiefs front office led by general manager Brett Veach might start looking at some options to address this concern. A name that has come up recently has been David Bakhtiari, a former All-Pro with significant experience in the league. However, signing Bakhtiari does come with risks: his injury history is extensive, and he’s only played sparingly over the past three seasons.
Bakhtiari would bring the type of experience to the Chiefs that both Morris and Suamataia just do not have right now. He had two First-Team All-Pro selections and three Second-Team honors, all earned during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. However, he has averaged just four games per season in the last three years. At 33, Bakhtiari’s ability to contribute at a high level is uncertain, though he remains one of the most accomplished left tackles on the market.
Bakhtiari has also indicated interest in returning, posting on social media about his readiness to contribute if only jokingly. His recent knee surgery could mean he’s finally at full strength, but skepticism persists. The Chiefs’ leadership will have to carefully consider if Bakhtiari’s potential to stabilize the left tackle position outweighs his recent injury history. Or if they should pursue another avenue to sue up the position, but whatever they decide to proceed, Bakhtiari’s experience in high-stakes games could provide invaluable support down the stretch as the Chiefs make their playoff push.
Could Bakhtiari Be the Answer For the Kansas City Chiefs?
Kansas City’s interest in Bakhtiari may be on more than just his talent. Veteran players like him often wait until mid-season to join contenders, avoiding the wear and tear of training camp. Bakhtiari’s absence early in the NFL season has allowed him to assess the league’s landscape, giving him the flexibility to choose a strong team where he could make an immediate impact.
Bakhtiari’s extensive playoff experience with the Packers, alongside Aaron Rodgers, tells us that he already understands the demands that come with playing on a championship-level team. His addition to the Chiefs could ease the transition for Suamataia and Morris, giving Kansas City a veteran leader who can reinforce the line while mentoring younger players. However, the big red flag around him is his being injury-prone which may not be something the Chiefs are willing to risk especially at such a crucial position.
With that being said, there is still no denying that Bakhtiari’s name still carries weight in the NFL, especially among contenders seeking stability on their offensive line. For Kansas City, signing him would mean they are willing to do whatever it takes to strengthen their team, even with his injury concerns. However, a decision like this one will likely take time to weigh the risks involved and look at other options. Bakhtiari’s durability is as much of a question as his availability, and the Chiefs understand the moment they are currently in, so their decision may not be all that far away.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs have consistently demonstrated this season that they are committed to putting the best possible team on the field. Brett Veach’s track record speaks for itself, and this season he’s shown just that but when considering a veteran like Bakhtiari, they’d be taking a chance that depends on how things play out. Could allow them to achieve something that has not ever been done before or they end up falling short and basically in this same position come playoff time.
The Chiefs’ path forward at left tackle is complex but remains at the forefront of their concerns. They need a solution that both protects Mahomes and supports the team’s long-term goals for another Super Bowl. Whether they opt for Bakhtiari or another player, the Chiefs’ front office will likely be closely watching his status and other players on the market in the coming weeks to make a decision as the regular season winds down.
