The Chiefs' Busy Offseason of Upgrades
NFL Team Signs Patrick Mahomes' Half-Brother to Practice Squad
The Kansas City Chiefs have been shaking things up this offseason, aiming to fix the issues that were brutally exposed during their Super Bowl thrashing at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs' top priority has been to improve their offensive line depth to give superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes more time to shine.
In preparation for their rookie minicamp this weekend, the Chiefs sent out invitations to several hopefuls, including Graham Walker. Walking is Patrick Mahomes' half-brother (via Matt McMullen on X), standing at 6'3′′ and weighing 227 pounds. After transferring from Brown University to Rice University this past season, Walker shifted his playing position from wide receiver to tight end.
Although he went undrafted this spring, Walker could potentially give the Chiefs another weapon at tight end, especially as Travis Kelce's career reaches its twilight. It would also make for a touching story for the Mahomes family, sharing a father in common.
Offense on the Move
Strengthening the Wide Receiver Corps
In addition to Walker, the Chiefs have also made moves to boost their depth in the wide receiver position. Among these efforts, they signed undrafted free agent Elijhah Badger (WR, Arizona State) and gave Damien Alford (WR, Utah) a rookie minicamp invite [2]. These signings aim to inject some competition and potentially future depth behind the existing wide receivers.
Moreover, while not directly at the wide receiver position, the Chiefs invited Graham Walker (TE/WR hybrid, Rice) to rookie minicamp. Walker played as a wide receiver in college but made the transition to tight end during his time at Rice. He could provide the team with versatility in pass-catching roles [5].
Reinforcing the Offensive Line
The Chiefs have also prioritized shoring up their offensive line by addressing several key areas:
- Trey Smith's Contract Status: With the franchise tag in place ($23.4M cap hit for 2025), the Chiefs have secured stability on the right side. However, as negotiations for a long-term extension remain unresolved, future instability could loom if a deal is not reached [3][4].
- Post-Thuney Adjustments: The trade of All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney has left a gap on the left side, with younger linemen expected to step up. Depth signings, as yet unnamed, and draft picks are anticipated to compete for starting roles, particularly at left tackle and left guard [5].
- Tackle Considerations: Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is being viewed as a potential 2025 cap casualty. The team is focusing on developing younger talent at the tackle position [3].
Extra Moves and Mahomes Protection
The Chiefs have cleared six roster spots (waiving three players, releasing two veterans, and securing an international exemption) to make room for undrafted free agents, with many of these players competing for positions along the offensive line and at wide receiver [1][2]. Additionally, recent moves emphasize bolstering pass protection, addressing vulnerabilities that were on full display during the Super Bowl against elite defensive fronts [5].
With these moves, the Chiefs have adopted a balanced approach of retaining crucial contributors, promoting competition through undrafted free agents, and navigating financial constraints to ensure stability around Patrick Mahomes. If the Chiefs hope to continue their dynastic trajectory, they'll need to significantly improve upon their Super Bowl performance.
- The Kansas City Chiefs are likely trying to address their weaknesses in the offensive line, sending invitations to various hopefuls with the intention of giving Patrick Mahomes more time to work.
- One of the hopefuls invited is Graham Walker, who could potentially give the Chiefs another weapon at tight end, especially as Travis Kelce's career nears its end, and would also make for a heartwarming story for the Mahomes family.
- In addition to Walker, the Chiefs have made moves to boost their depth in the wide receiver position, inviting Damien Alford to their rookie minicamp and signing undrafted free agent Elijhah Badger from Arizona State.
- One of the issues the Chiefs are aiming to fix is the departure of All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, with younger linemen expected to step up, and depth signings and draft picks anticipated to compete for starting roles, especially at left tackle and left guard.
- The Chiefs have also focused on developing younger talent at the tackle position, with right tackle Jawaan Taylor potentially being a 2025 cap casualty, and have cleared roster spots to make room for undrafted free agents, emphasizing the need for better pass protection to protect Patrick Mahomes in American Football and NFL, particularly in future Super Bowl appearances.
