Challenges Surrounding Chiefs’ Left Tackle Josh Simmons

The Kansas City Chiefs initially drafted Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They intended for him to become their starting left tackle for the foreseeable future. However, recent developments suggest that Simmons’ time with the team might end sooner than expected.

Simmons is currently facing uncertainty, intensifying during a reported altercation. The altercation involved head coach Andy Reid and occurred before a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Both Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes encouraged Simmons to step away from a team meeting. This situation led to Simmons being placed on injured reserve, as he deals with a persistent back problem.

“Simmons was sitting with his feet up in the offense’s meeting room when Reid asked him to put his feet down, according to multiple sources who witnessed the interaction,” reported Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. “Simmons pushed back by telling Reid he had to sit that way because his back and hips were aching, according to sources. Reid instructed Simmons to get treatment from the athletic trainers if he was indeed in pain.”

The meeting disruption continued until Mahomes reiterated Reid’s advice for Simmons to seek medical treatment. Though Simmons left the room, he remained in the building. His reaction to the situation raises concerns, as he has missed 15 of 23 games since being drafted 32nd overall two seasons ago.

Analyst Ian Rapoport commented to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, expressing doubts about Simmons’ future with the Chiefs. Rapoport emphasized the importance of having a reliable person to protect Mahomes, which currently casts doubt on Simmons’ ability to fulfill that role.

In the interim, undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson has taken over the left tackle position. Benson has excelled in this role, playing 374 offensive snaps across six games. He allowed only 16 pressures and eight hurries without yielding a single sack, according to Pro Football Focus.