Mahomes Won’t Be Left Defenseless Again—Chiefs Eye Game-Changing Left Tackle!

After a crushing defeat in Super Bowl LIX, where Patrick Mahomes found himself on the receiving end of a relentless defensive assault, the Kansas City Chiefs are making moves to ensure their quarterback won’t be left unprotected in the future. The painful memory of Mahomes being sacked six times, with a total loss of 31 yards, by the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line is still fresh. Now, the Chiefs front office is making it clear: Help is on the way.

The loss, which ended in a 40-22 blowout, highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Chiefs’ offensive line—specifically the left tackle position. Despite having three players rotate in at left tackle—rookie Kingsley Sumataia, Wanya Morris, and veteran DJ Humphries—the offensive line struggled throughout the season. Even an unconventional experiment with left guard Joe Thuney at the position failed to yield the protection Mahomes needed.

Recognizing the need to shore up the line and protect their star quarterback, the Chiefs, led by owner Clark Hunt, are actively seeking to acquire a reliable and experienced left tackle this offseason. And while the name may not immediately ring bells for casual fans, the Chiefs are eyeing a player who could be a game-changer.

According to USA Today insider Jon Edigar, Kansas City has set their sights on Alaric Jackson, an unassuming but reliable offensive tackle from the Los Angeles Rams. Jackson may not be the most headline-grabbing player on the free-agent market, but he’s a Super Bowl LVI champion who’s spent the past four seasons protecting Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blind side. His experience and skill set make him a prime candidate to bolster the Chiefs’ offensive line and give Mahomes the protection he needs.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Jackson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He signed a one-year, $4.9 million contract with the Rams in 2024, and now, as an unrestricted free agent, Jackson is in the sights of the Chiefs, who are hoping to bring him aboard at a reasonable price given their limited salary cap space. Jackson’s stability and reliability in pass protection would instantly make him an upgrade over the rotating cast of players who occupied the left tackle spot for Kansas City last season.

While Jackson’s name may fly under the radar for some, his proven track record with the Rams makes him a highly attractive option for the Chiefs. With Mahomes’ future on the line, the Chiefs are poised to make a strategic move to secure Jackson and finally provide Mahomes with the “bodyguard” he needs on the left side of the line.

But the Chiefs aren’t just eyeing Jackson. According to reports, the team is also keeping tabs on other free agents, such as New Orleans Saints linebacker Chase Young and Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Mike Hamilton. Both players are nearing free agency unless their respective teams can strike new deals to retain them.

With the Chiefs looking to clear up salary cap space, there is a real possibility that they could extend contracts for current players like receiver Marquise Brown and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton. If Kansas City is able to navigate the financial challenges and make key moves in the offseason, they’ll enter the 2025 season as one of the AFC’s top contenders—and Mahomes will no longer have to worry about being left defenseless.

The Chiefs have learned their lesson, and it’s clear that they’re gearing up to come back stronger than ever next season. With a game-changing left tackle potentially in tow, the 2025 campaign could see Mahomes and the Chiefs return to the top of the AFC with renewed protection and firepower.