Chiefs complete NFL trade with Giants to add help for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce

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The Kansas City Chiefs acquired OL Josh Ezeudu from the New York Giants for a 2028 seventh-round pick before their final preseason game.

The Chiefs have had a very real concern about their offensive line all preseason, with a severe lack of depth behind their lead options, Kingsley Suamataia and Trey Smith.

With the offensive line playing an integral role in the success of the quarterback, the Chiefs have added reinforcements to their shallow o-line for Patrick Mahomes’ protection.

Chiefs add a backup with upside to block for Patrick Mahomes

ESPN reported the Chiefs’ acquisition of Josh Ezeudu from the Giants to bolster their offensive line for a low cost.

Ezeudu is a 26-year-old former third-round pick who has appeared in 33 NFL games over his career. He’s made only 10 starts and missed the entirety of last season with a calf injury.

Ezeudu can play as both a left and right guard, and has played at left tackle as well, showing he has the varied skill set a backup needs to fill in wherever required on the o-line.

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That versatility can also give the Chiefs the room they need to develop a young option like Kahlil Benson in his preferred role rather than making him learn new styles on the fly as a floating backup.

Chiefs needed this addition to protect Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs’ potential five-man offensive line of LT Josh Simmons, LG Suamataia, C Creed Humphrey, RG Smith, and RT Jaylon Moore can be elite, but they need to have strong backup options like Ezeudu to step up when required.

Their current backup options have been underwhelming throughout camp, so Ezeudu is a low-cost, high-upside swing for them.

Even a bad version of him would fit as a backup OL member, but even above-average production could make him a key backup.

The Chiefs need extra protection for Mahomes this season, especially early in the season, as he has to get comfortable after returning from a torn ACL.

This will in turn affect the kind of service options like Travis Kelce receive in what might be a retirement season for him.

Ezeudu has the talent and the size; it’s just a question of him staying healthy enough to build momentum over the season and showcase his full strengths. If he does that, the Chiefs will be much better than anticipated.

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