Are the Chiefs doing enough to fix what cost them a historic three-peat? Their recent offseason moves do not seem like they’re following the usual ‘load up for another run’ script. Trading away Joe Thuney, slapping the franchise tag on Trey Smith, and letting Justin Reid walk? That’s a lot of bold decisions for a team that just missed out on a three-peat. And now, another move is turning heads, a signing that has people questioning Andy Reid’s team approach this offseason.

After the Ravens secured their offensive star, Ronnie Stanley, whom the Chiefs were eyeing, they went on to sign Jaylon Moore. Kansas City signed the former Niners OT to a two-year deal worth $30 million. The problem with Jaylon is that he has hardly been a front-line starter over his four-year career. One anonymous exec, criticizing Andy Reid’s team move, pointed out, “Jaylon Moore has had durability issues, he has never been a front-line player. And he’s been protected in a system that is not drop back-heavy, so I do not love that move.“

Last season, Moore played in 15 games and started in five of them. Although the 2024 season was his third in the NFL, the offensive lineman is still in the process of developing his skills. And that is why another anonymous executive thinks the Chiefs are putting even more pressure on Patrick Mahomes. According to this exec, the team is relying on Mahomes to elevate the offense rather than spending big to reinforce it.

“They realize they are a defensive football team with a Hall of Fame quarterback. And they are saying, ‘Pat, it is on you to elevate your skill players,’” said the executive. “We miscalculated on your protection, and it cost us a three-peat. Now, we are going to recalibrate up front,” he added. So while their O-line moves have a big question mark in front of them, one of their defensive decisions hasn’t sat well with many either. And that is letting Justin Reid walk away.

Andy Reid’s roster shake-up: Right call or red Flag?

On the offensive side of the ball, the Chiefs are trying to keep things familiar by bringing back Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. But on the defensive side, their only major re-signing has been LB Nick Bolton. Their decision to let go of their defensive gem Justin Reid is a real head-scratcher, though. This anonymous exec called Reid an “underrated enforcer” and questioned Kansas City’s decision to move on from him.

Reid recorded 61 solo tackles this season, ranking 51st among all defenders. The Stanford alum didn’t force any fumbles, but he still contributed to turnovers with two interceptions. Additionally, Reid broke up nine passes, ranking 49th in the league. The 28-year-old entered free agency in March after his 3-year, $31.5 million contract with Kansas City expired. With the Chiefs opting not to offer him an extension, the Saints seized the opportunity, signing him to a 3-year, $31.5 million deal.

Interestingly, the Saints matched the exact 3-year deal the Chiefs gave Justin Reid in 2022. But now, the real question is: Will the Chiefs regret this move? Reid brought consistency to their defense, and replacing that won’t be easy. If the secondary struggles, Andy Reid and Kansas City might find themselves second-guessing their decision.