If you are a football fan, the Super Bowl is the biggest event of the year for you more often than not. This year’s Super Bowl was a spectacular one, to say the least. The Kansas City Chiefs lost their two best offensive lineman due to injuries leading up to the big game. They practically played the Super Bowl with backup linemen and practice squad guys. This led to Patrick Mahomes having to run nearly 500 yards behind the line of scrimmage just trying to get away from defenders. Needless to say, the Chiefs got blown out of the water.
Moving On From Previous Stars
It’s free agency time in the NFL and this time of year is often most exciting for fans. They look forward to their teams signing new players and seeing the new direction of the team.
For the Chiefs, they decided that it was time to move on from their two stars.
Their first move was to cut former number one overall pick and pro bowler Eric Fisher. Fisher was Kansas City’s starting left tackle for eight seasons. The star left tackle is well respected within the organization. Fisher, 30, is one of the key players that Kansas City lost before the Super Bowl last season. He tore his Achilles tendon during their win over Buffalo in the AFC Championship. The Chiefs also decided that it was time to move on from All-Pro right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. Schwartz, 31, was also out for the last three months of the season after back surgery. He was with the Chiefs for five seasons and has also earned his respect around the league.
All of these moves were to clear up cap space. With free agency approaching, the Chiefs were in desperate need of some cap room. After cutting their two starting lineman and restructuring some contracts, they finally had some money to work with. Kansas City used that money to go sign the replacements for their offensive line.
Free Agency Signings For the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs did not disappoint when it came to rebuilding their offensive line.
Their first signing to rebuild their offensive line was All-Pro guard from the New England Patriots, Joe Thuney. They signed Thuney to a five-year deal worth $80 million. The deal comes with $32.5 million guaranteed for the first two seasons. There is no doubt that this will help them tremendously.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ second signing to help their offensive line is former pro bowl guard Kyle Long. Long came out of retirement to play for the Chiefs on a one-year deal worth $5 million. He chose to hang it up after several ankle problems, but after a full year to rest and get ready, he is back to help the Kansas City Chiefs win another Super Bowl.
The Chiefs went with a complete overhaul with their offensive line. There will be five brand new starters to start the season than last. These editions put Kansas City right back up there with the Super Bowl contenders. I don’t believe that there is anyone happier with these moves than Patrick Mahomes. The star quarterback will now have the protection he needs to not worry about running for his life.