Joe Thuney’s departure was always going to feel like a gut punch. The guy didn’t just block; he practically bodyguarded Patrick Mahomes like he was the President. First, he shielded Tom Brady in New England, then brought his talents to the Kingdom, keeping Mahomes upright while they stacked Super Bowls. Now? The Chiefs have a gaping hole in their offensive line, and Andy Reid isn’t about to let his franchise quarterback get chased around by the ‘Ghosts of SB LIX’

The Chiefs don’t do “sit and wait.” That’s for teams that don’t have Patrick Mahomes under center. With Thuney gone, Kansas City is already scanning the free-agent market, and one name has jumped to the top of the list: Shaq Mason.

The veteran guard just got the boot from Houston, and it didn’t take long for rumors to swirl about where he might land next. A reunion with Mahomes’ old rival-turned-protector? Now that’s a storyline worth following.

On Friday, Jordan Schultz dropped the news: “The #Texans have informed starting G Shaq Mason that he is being released. He started 15 games this past season.” Just like that, a $36 million guard hit the market, and the Chiefs didn’t blink.

Mason, 32, was set to make $10 million in 2025 and another $10.4 million in 2026, but the Texans decided to clear cap space instead. Their loss? Potentially Mahomes’ gain. I mean, Mason’s resume speaks for itself.

2 Super Bowl rings from his New England days and 152 games as a starter across three different teams. If there’s one thing the Chiefs love, it’s a guy who knows how to win. But will they pull the trigger? Or will another contender swoop in before they make their move?

Andy Reid’s might lure a Raven to fly into KC

Brett Veach didn’t just let Thuney walk for free—he turned him into a 2026 fourth-round pick, but that still leaves one big question: who’s stepping in to protect QB1? We need an answer. Even Andy Reid needs it!

According to The Athletic, Kansas City is eyeing Ronnie Stanley, a nine-year Raven and Lamar Jackson’s trusted bodyguard. And let’s be real—if you’ve spent years keeping Jackson upright while he scrambles like a video game character, you’ve got elite-level protection skills. Stanley, 30, just played his first full season in years, allowing only two sacks.

For a team that’s been playing musical chairs at left tackle, that kind of stability sounds pretty tempting.

Kansas City has used five different left tackles in five Super Bowls since 2020. That’s not a strategy; that’s a gamble. Last year, they tried Kingsley Suamataia, Wanya Morris, DJ Humphries, and eventually threw Thuney into the fire.

Now that he’s gone, Veach and Reid need a long-term solution, not another band-aid. Stanley’s experience in both the run and pass game makes him an ideal fit—if his body holds up.

Stanley’s talent isn’t up for debate, but his durability? That’s another story. The guy has dealt with significant injuries throughout his career. But last season, he proved he can stay healthy. That’s why he’s expected to command a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency. A hefty price? Sure. But when Mahomes is your franchise, you don’t skimp on protection.

Will the Chiefs make their move?

Kansas City just cleared $16 million in cap space, so the money is there. The real question? Is Stanley worth the gamble? If the Chiefs believe last year’s health was a turning point and not a fluke, then locking him up could be their next big move. Otherwise, Andy Reid might be back to square one—scrambling for answers.