It is Andy Reid‘s time to make the tough calls with a cap-clearing, roster-shaking move. Now, with a fresh salary cap, the Chiefs are hunting for reinforcements. But what do they need? Wide receiver? Left tackle? Pass rusher? The shopping list just got a lot more interesting. Well, the Chiefs love turning overlooked talent into gold, and with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, they just need the right pieces, not the priciest ones.

The Chiefs just traded Joe Thuney to the Bears for a 2026 fourth-round pick, clearing $16 million in cap space. Thuney has been a rock on the O-line since 2021, but at 32 years old with a $26.8M cap hit, the price tag was just too high. Especially with injuries keeping him out of key games last season, including the AFC Championship. The Chiefs are taking on $10.9M in dead cap. Meanwhile, the Bears just landed a top-tier guard to protect their 2024 no. 1 pick QB, Caleb Williams, and are expected to lock in Thuney with a long-term deal worth over $20M per year.

Kansas City is playing the long game, reportedly eyeing former Ravens guard John Simpson as his replacement. Simpson isn’t a household name, but don’t sleep on him. He started every game for NY Jets in 2024, same as he did for Baltimore in 2023. The guy’s tough, durable, and can hold his own in pass protection. He’s not Thuney 2.0, but he’s a rock-solid, cost-effective option. He’s 26, has starting experience, and won’t break the bank.

Not to forget, Simpson thrived in Baltimore’s run-heavy system, but he’s shown he has the skill set to slide into Kansas City’s pass-heavy attack (which the Jets had no choice but to rely on). His skill set aligns with Andy Reid’s evolving o-line needs. He’s a physical presence who can keep Mahomes upright while opening lanes for the run game. With a more balanced offense than in years past, the Chiefs need a lineman who can do both. Simpson isn’t flashy, but he’s dependable, and that’s exactly what KC needs.

If signed, he would slot in next to Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, maintaining continuity. If not, there are backup plans. Regardless of Simpson’s status, Kansas City must work its interior line quickly.

Andy Reid frees cash for upgrades

Well, cutting Thuney wasn’t just about replacing him, it was about freeing up much-needed cap space. The Chiefs had limited flexibility entering the offseason, but clearing $16M gives them flexibility for major upgrades, like a Trey Smith extension and the hunt for a new left tackle. The Chiefs must maximize these savings to remain competitive.

According to Nate Taylor, Kansas City is locking in on two major O-line priorities, extending Trey Smith and landing a new left tackle. And guess who’s on their radar? Ronnie Stanley. Jeff Zrebiec chimed in, confirming the Chiefs are officially in the mix for the Ravens’ star tackle. Baltimore wants to keep him, but with free agency heating up, that’s easier said than done. If the Chiefs land Stanley, Mahomes gets a proven blindside protector, and Kansas City’s O-line stays elite. Buckle up, this one’s gonna get interesting.

Wide receiver remains a glaring need, and the Chiefs could go big on someone like Tee Higgins if the Bengals aren’t able to keep him happy after prioritising Ja’Marr Chase. Left tackle is another weak spot. Donovan Smith‘s powers have been waning, and the Chiefs might hunt for a long-term upgrade. And let’s not forget the pass rush—another area that could use a boost. Kansas City is playing chess, not checkers. Cutting Thuney hurts in the short term, but the cap space it frees up could make the entire team better. Kansas City’s ability to spread this cap space across multiple needs is crucial.

This move reflects Kansas City’s philosophy of making tough cap decisions. Investing in younger, cheaper talent will be a key strategy moving forward. The offensive line remains a priority, but the Chiefs must be smart with spending. This offseason’s decisions will shape their ability to continue contending. Cutting Thuney was a money move, plain and simple. Kansas City needs cap flexibility, and this clears space for more impactful additions. With Mahomes under center, they’ll always be in the mix.