A Sneak Peek into the Latest Kansas City Chiefs Insights š
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Welcome to our tri-weekly newsletter, the ideal way to stay in the loop with the Kansas City Chiefs! Dive into exclusive analyses and fresh perspectives straight from Arrowhead Stadium, all delivered to your inbox. Hereās a glimpse into whatās happening now.
The Kickoff to 2025: Offseason Developments š
As I write this, we are on the brink of the official start of the new league year! While that momentous date is just around the corner, the action has been in full swing since the unofficial start on Monday, when the NFL opened the ālegal tamperingā window. This special time allows unrestricted free agents to negotiate with potential new teams.
Over the last few days, weāve observed the initial plans unfolding for the offseason, shaped by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. Just this past Wednesday morning, with input from star players Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, he made crucial moves necessary to align with the requirements for the new league year.
In this edition, Iāll break down some evaluations on ten key decisions the team has taken since the season ended.
Key Decisions and Decisions Grades š
Kansas City Applied the Franchise Tag on Right Guard Trey Smith | Grade: B
In discussions during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, GM Brett Veach expressed enthusiasm about the significant increase in the NFL's salary cap projected for 2025. Thanks to this improvement, retaining right guard Trey Smith became a viable option again.
Veach wasted no time and placed a franchise tag on Smith late during the combine week, securing his services for $23.4 million in the upcoming season. It seems the Chiefs regard Smith as a prime asset on the free-agent market. After all, keeping homegrown talent is often the best strategy!
Smith has already signed the franchise tag, indicating that heās ready to participate in the offseason program despite the short-term deal. Meanwhile, Veach will be working diligently towards a long-term arrangement.
Iāve rated this move a B, but it could quickly boost to an A if the long-term deal happens soon. Until that materializes, though, that hefty $23.4 million will weigh on the team's cap space.
Kansas City Traded Left Guard Joe Thuney to Chicago | Grade: B+
With the decision to retain Smith, the Chiefs recognized the necessity of freeing up cap space to accommodate this move. It became clear that carrying two of the most expensive guards in the league wasnāt ideal. Consequently, they traded left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.
There were two major benefits to this trade:
- The transaction saved the Chiefs a substantial $16 million in cap spaceācrucial as they look to navigate Smithās tag and other potential acquisitions.
- In a choice between the two players, Kansas City opted for the younger talent in Smith, who holds a significant age advantage over Thuney.
Iāve graded this trade a B+ because Kingsley Suamataia, a second-year player, is likely to step into the left guard role. While parting with a veteran for a fourth-rounder feels like a win, placing substantial confidence in a player who just underwent a challenging adjustment year is quite a leap.
More Insights to Explore š
- In this edition, you will find evaluations of eight additional decisions made by the Chiefs thus far.
- Also, catch a link to a full hour-long episode of our āEditors Show,ā which features in-depth discussions and breakdowns.
Editors Show Highlights šļø
Be sure to check out a preview of this weekās episode, where the team dives deeper into the critical moves and reflects on whatās next for the Chiefsā roster. š„
Whatās Included in Your Subscription? š§
Throughout the offseason, subscribers receive a weekly update every Wednesday, along with comprehensive coverage of significant events such as free agency and the upcoming NFL draft. When the season kicks off, you can expect three newsletters each week:
Game Preview Newsletter (Thursdays): Expect three of my top insights heading into the game, alongside a pivotal matchup spotlight by Rocky MagaƱa and contextual insights from John Dixon.
Post-Game Newsletter: Here, I provide key takeaways from each game, Ron Kopp presents the first look at the game film, and Jared Sapp encapsulates the discussions surrounding pivotal moments.
- In-Season Column: Brandon Kiley shares his insights every Tuesday, adding expert analysis to our content lineup.
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Stay engaged, and letās keep the excitement alive as we follow the journeys of our Kansas City Chiefs! šš