Chiefs Might ‘Take the Plunge’ and Sign Former $37m Pro Bowler
The Kansas City Chiefs selected offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Chiefs are expected to acquire veteran protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
Donovan Smith, the Chiefs’ former starting left tackle, is still a free agent. However, ESPN expert Bill Barnwell suggested that Kansas City might swerve and sign former Washington Commanders tackle Charles Leno Jr.
Leno signed a three-year, $37 million contract deal with the Commanders in 2021, but Washington dismissed him to save cap space. Leno had a $15.53 cap hit in 2024, and his release netted $7.28 million, according to ESPN.
Although “it seems likely they’ll move forward with one of those younger options on Patrick Mahomes’ blind side this season,” Barnwell stated that “they could also opt to take the plunge on former Bears and Commanders tackle Charles Leno, who remains a free agent.”
A very reliable LT since signing with Washington in the '21 offseason
Charles Leno started in 47 of a possible 51 games in Washington & started every game for 7 consecutive seasons between Chicago & Wash
Commanders released Leno March 1st after he underwent hip surgery pic.twitter.com/dh18M83H2K
— RefTheDistrict (@RefTheDistrict) March 30, 2024
Leno, a seventh-round pick in 2014, played the first seven seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears. Despite turning 33 in October, the Boise State alum remains an invaluable veteran. He has started 47 of 51 games for the Commanders in the last three years. Last season, he played 880 plays at left tackle and received a 72.5 overall rating from Pro Football Focus.
According to Riggo’s Rag, Leno is one of the most dependable Commanders players. Often underappreciated, he has shown to be an iron-man. Unfortunately, his high income did not justify his continued employment. Leno’s supreme leadership within the locker room will also be severely missed.”
Leno spent the 2023 season on injured reserve due to a calf issue. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Leno underwent hip surgery after being released.
Former Chiefs Starter Donovan Smith Predicted to Land With the New England Patriots
Last May, Kansas City signed Smith to a one-year contract worth $3 million. In 2023, he played 748 snaps at left tackle and received a 55.4 overall rating from PFF.
While he might be a low-cost addition for the Chiefs late in free agency, Barnwell believes the often penalized veteran will sign with the New England Patriots. “Let’s do the logical thing and get Drake Maye the plug-and-play left tackle the rookie quarterback needs,” Barnwell stated.
“Mike Onwenu should be fine on the right side, but there are serious concerns about what’s happening at left tackle…” Signing Smith would allow New England to work out (2024 third-round pick Caedan) Wallace on the left side before committing to him as the team’s future left tackle.
“After failing to provide Mac Jones with the resources he need to prosper, they should not hesitate to sign Smith for 2024.
Chiefs News: Kingsley Suamataia Could Be a ‘Decades-Long’ Solution on the Offensive Line
Patrick Mahomes has a new protector, and his name is Kingsley Suamataia! 😤 pic.twitter.com/gvCSFDbXPJ
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) April 27, 2024
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler graded Suamataia as the seventh-best offensive lineman entering the NFL draft. His 1,342 offensive snaps in college were split evenly between left tackle (48.8%) and right tackle (51.2%).
“Suamataia played in an offense that preferred to run the ball downhill, and he excelled as a drive blocker, exhibiting range and an early pop. He is agile in pass protection and has the strength to shut down rushers, but his timing, technique, and recognizing abilities are still undeveloped.
“Overall, Suamataia is still very young and lacks refinement in several areas, but his combination of size, mobility, and core power forms the foundation of a scheme-diverse NFL starter.” He will need a patient coaching team who can help him transition to the professional level.
The @Chiefs just selected Kingsley Suamataia, who is 6'5" and 326 lbs and can do this ⬇️
📺: #NFLDraft on NFL Network/ESPN2/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fUOTn55Ba0— NFL (@NFL) April 27, 2024
SI’s Jordan Foote expressed similar sentiments in his draft preview. “Suamataia will experience some growing pains early in his NFL career, but his upside is immense, and he’d compete with Wanya Morris for a starting role in 2024. Beyond that, if he can improve his consistency with footwork and hand placement, the Chiefs could have a long-term solution at the position.”
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