Why Kingsley Suamataia Could Be the Chiefs’ New Answer at Left Guard
The Kansas City Chiefs boast two of the NFL’s top offensive minds in quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. Yet, despite their success, persistent issues in the running game, pass protection, and wide receiver consistency have prevented the offense from reaching its full potential in recent seasons.
Much of the offseason buzz has centered around the wide receiver room, the running back rotation, and who will anchor the left tackle spot. But there’s another position worth highlighting: left guard.
To free up cap space and ensure they can retain standout right guard Trey Smith, the Chiefs made the tough decision to part ways with All-Pro Joe Thuney. That move all but signaled that second-year lineman Kingsley Suamataia would shift from tackle to guard. While Reid hasn’t ruled out a future at tackle for Suamataia, his clearest path to the starting lineup is stepping in for Thuney on the interior.
Suamataia isn’t Thuney—few are. Thuney was a technician with rare consistency, almost never caught off guard and known for his pristine fundamentals. Expecting Suamataia to replicate that level of play is unrealistic, at least early on. But he brings something different—and potentially special—to the table: raw physical upside.
To be clear, Thuney’s physical tools were often underrated. He held his own against elite defensive tackles and had the agility to slide out to tackle when needed. But at 32, Thuney simply doesn’t match the physical profile of Suamataia.
Though both are listed at 6’5″, Suamataia carries nearly 20 more pounds, and it’s not just excess mass. His weight is well-proportioned, and he moves impressively for a man his size. His struggles at tackle last season stemmed more from technical inconsistencies and footwork issues than a lack of athleticism. His 31 bench press reps at the combine—done with long 34-inch arms—offer a glimpse into his raw strength and power.
Of course, none of that potential will matter if he can’t refine his technique, identify defensive looks, or stay disciplined with his hand usage. But moving inside to guard should help. Playing in tighter spaces may allow Suamataia to play with more confidence and aggression—traits that can unlock his physical gifts.
With Isiah Pacheco firmly entrenched as the lead back, the Chiefs need a strong push from the interior line to get the ground game going. Pacheco brings energy and attitude, but he’s not the type of runner who regularly creates yards after contact without help. That’s where Suamataia’s upside becomes enticing. If he can gel alongside Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, Kansas City could field one of the most physically dominant interior lines in the league.
Kingsley Suamataia may never match Joe Thuney’s reliability and polish. But if he can leverage his strength and athleticism—especially in the run game—he may prove to be a worthy successor. In time, the Chiefs’ decision to invest in Suamataia’s future rather than pay a premium to keep Thuney could look like a bold and savvy move.
Leave a Reply