Tag: left tackle

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’

Kansas City #Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Cleveland #Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney spoke with reporters Sunday after the 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He addressed his surprising start at left tackle instead of his usual guard spot in place of D.J. Humphries.

“It felt good, and my coaches have done a great job preparing this for me all week,” said Thuney. “I have a lot of good guys, tight ends and running backs, around me, so they helped me with calls. Mike [Caliendo] was great at left guard, and it truly was a team effort to win and help be my best at guard.”

Thuney was tasked with slowing down Myles Garrett throughout the game as he held the pass rusher without a sack.

“It was a total team effort to block him. There was a lot of great chips and help from people like Mike [Caliendo],” said Thuney. “He was great in helping me as needed. It was a good team effort with good technique, and I went out there and did the best I could.”

Humphries could return next week for the Houston Texans’ matchup, depending on his hamstring. If Thuney can handle the new role for an extended period, he may not need to rush.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’ | @EdEastonJr

The starting left tackle position has been an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs all season as they pursue the top spot in the AFC. The topic took another turn in the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns as a new starter took the spot following the injury to D.J. Humphries.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle on Sunday as he battled with the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett. Mike Caliendo filled in for Thuney at his typical guard spot, leaving Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the sidelines.

“I thought Joe (Thuney) – I asked him to play left tackle, and he hasn’t done that since college – got out there and really did a nice job against one of the best defensive ends in the game right now,” said Reid to reporters during his postgame press conference. “Then (Mike) Caliendo, what a great experience that is for him to get out there and see a full game. That’s going to help him down the road and us down the road, so I appreciate it. As far as any changes or any of that, we’ll just see going forward how things go on the offensive line.”

Thuney held up well against Garrett as the Chiefs could limit his pressures during the game to less than his usual production. Reid further explained his decision on Thunrey at left tackle, not his young linemen.

“Well, the injury on D.J. (Humphries), and then Joe (Thuney) had taken a couple of snaps there last week, and I just felt comfortable as a veteran player,” said Reid. “I scouted him as a tackle, knowing he could get out there and battle. He’s been an All-Pro for two other positions, so give him a chance at the tackle spot.”

The Chiefs return to the field on Saturday against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with questions regarding their plans at left tackle, assuming Humphries is healthy enough to play.

Garett Bolles took team-friendly deal to finish career with Broncos

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles could have earned more had he tested free agency in 2025. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” he said.

The Denver Broncos gave left tackle Garett Bolles a four-year, $82 million contract extension on Thursday that will average $20.5 million per year from 2025-2028, making him the sixth-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL.

The deal includes $41.9 million guaranteed, including fully guaranteed pay in 2025 and 2026.

“This is a dream come true,” Bolles said during a press conference on Thursday. “I grew up in this city. I became a man in this city as a football player and as a husband. I get to be here long-term with my family. It means the world to me. I’m just so grateful for the Walton Penner family. What an amazing ownership group we have. Everyone in the ownership group and the love that they have here. The time I got to spend with them and to see them changing this place with new facilities and everything that I get to be a part of now is amazing.

“I love George Paton to death. I think we have one of the best GMs in all of the National Football League. The relationship I have with him and the love I have for him and his family and how grateful I am. I’m grateful for Coach [Sean] Payton and the love I have for him. He came in here — he could’ve let me walk — and he believed in me. This offense fits me and I’m just grateful I get to be a part of [it] and see him turn this around. [Offensive line] Coach [Zach] Strief, I’m so grateful for an offensive line coach that just lets me be myself. It’s a humbling time to be in my family, a place where I’d always thought I’d be. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t start off the way I wanted to start off here, but I get to finish how I want to finish. I get to be a Bronco for life and I’m just very grateful.”

Had he waited until the spring, Bolles undoubtedly could have received more on the open market, but he wanted to stay in Denver, where he hopes to finish his career.

“I just am beyond grateful that my kids get to grow up here, and continue to grow up here and we’re in Denver,” Bolles said. “This is home for us. I don’t want to go anywhere else. I could’ve hit free agency and earned more money or whatever it is. I never cared about money; I cared about a legacy. I think legacy speaks volumes for the type of man [you are], and I wanted to create a legacy here.

The 32-year-old left tackle has allowed just one sack this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His 88.7 pass-bocking grade this year ranks fourth in the NFL. After re-signing the tackle, the Broncos have now shored up Bo Nix’s blindside for the foreseeable future.

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Twitter reacts to Garett Bolles’ $82 million deal with Broncos

The Broncos gave Garett Bolles a four-year, $82 million contract extension on Thursday. Here’s how Twitter/X reacted to the news.

The Denver Broncos signed left tackle Garett Bolles to a four-year, $82 million contract extension on Thursday. Here’s a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the news on Twitter/X.

Bolles, 32, is now under contract through the 2028 season.

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Garett Bolles breaks news of his 4-year contract extension with great video

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles announced his four-year contract extension with a funny video.

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles has agreed to a four-year contract extension, the offensive lineman announced with a clever video on his social media pages on Thursday.

“Broncos Country, It’s been a great 8 years! Thanks for everything! And … I’m not leaving. The show goes on! GB,” Bolles wrote on social media.

Bolles shared a video with a photo of his face over Leonardo DiCaprio from a classic scene in The Wolf of Wall Street: “I’m not leaving,” DiCaprio says. “I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving! The show goes on!”

After Bolles broke the news, outlets quickly started confirming that the 32-year-old lineman has signed a four-year deal that will keep him in Denver through the 2028 season.

Bolles was picked by the Broncos in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Utah. He struggled early in his career but Bolles has emerged as a top left tackle in recent seasons.

After previously giving contract extensions to cornerback Pat Surtain, guard Quinn Meinerz and pass rusher Jonathon Cooper earlier this year, Denver now has a quartet of key players signed through the duration of quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie contract. The next order of business could be an extension for pass rusher Nik Bonitto, who ranks second in the NFL in sacks this fall.

The four-year deal is worth $82 million and could reach up to $86 million with incentives, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $42 million guaranteed.

Nix’s blindside now has protection secured for the next four seasons.

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Early rankings of Broncos’ needs in 2025 NFL draft

Do you agree with our list of top needs for the Broncos in the 2025 NFL draft?

The Denver Broncos (8-5) still have four regular season games remaining and then a potential playoff run, but it’s never too early to look ahead to the next NFL draft. Today, we’re taking a quick look at our early rankings of the Broncos’ top needs in the 2025 NFL draft.

1. Offensive tackle: This one comes with a caveat because it’s largely dependent on whether or not the Broncos re-sign Garett Bolles in 2025.

2. Tight end: Denver has gotten little production from the tight end this fall and the team could use a playmaker at the position.

3. Running back: Javonte Williams has not returned to his pre-injury form and he’s scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Broncos use an early pick on a RB in April.

4. Wide receiver: Courtland Sutton remains Mr. Reliable, but Denver needs a dynamic receiver to pair with him. Devaughn Vele has the potential to be a very good WR3. Now the Broncos need a top talent.

5. Inside linebacker: Alex Singleton will be 31 years old and coming off a serious injury in 2025. Cody Barton will be a 28-year-old free agent. Even if both are back and starting in 2025, Denver should start planning for the future.

6. Defensive back: The Broncos need more competition and depth at safety, and the team’s cornerback depth is also thin.

7. Defensive line: Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are both under contract for next season, but D.J. Jones is scheduled to hit free agency. Even if Denver is confident in Malcolm Roach stepping up, the team will still need to add more depth to the defensive line.

Agree or disagree with the rankings? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter: @TheBroncosWire.

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Former Chiefs offensive lineman continues to hint at his availability on social media

Former Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Donovan Smith continues to hint at his availability on social media | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have been hit with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball this season. The latest injury, to recently signed D.J. Humphries, at left tackle, further adds to the bad luck health-wise.

Humphries left Sunday’s Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers early, replaced by former starter Wanya Mortos to finish the game. The veteran’s status wasn’t immediately available, as it was his first game since tearing his ACL a year ago while a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

“I don’t have any injury updates for you. We’re right in the middle of that process, and we’ll just see how things go. I know the tackle’s (D.J. Humphries) one of (those) problems there, so we’ll see how he does.” said head coach Andy Reid during his weekly Zoom call with reporters on Monday. “He’s feeling a little bit better this morning, but we’ll see where it goes from here after he gets an MRI. ”

Following the injury, former Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith seemingly responded on social media with a GIF reminding the franchise that he won Super Bowl LVIII his availability. Smith made a similar post a month ago when the troubles at left tackle became apparent to the football world.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides clarity regarding his options at left tackle: ‘We’ll see how it goes’

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides clarity regarding his options at left tackle: ‘We’ll see how it goes’ | @EdEastonJr

The ongoing debate regarding when the Kansas City Chiefs should insert veteran D.J. Humphries in the starting lineup has become a hot topic as the team marches toward another postseason. Head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Wednesday, revealing his mindset regarding the decision.

“(Humphries and Thuney) are veteran guys that we have an option to put in there. So, kind of banking on that,” said Reid. “Wanya (Morris) and Kingsley (Suamataia) have taken most of the snaps, and D.J. (Humphries) hasn’t played (in 2024), other than the (eight) years before this,” the Chiefs HC went on, reiterating: “So, we’re banking on that part of it with a couple of those guys, that veteran part of it can step in there and take care of it.”

Thuney notably stepped in at left tackle for Morris to finish last week’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Humphries has been practicing with the team and could be an option as early as this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I think, eventually, you want to get somebody in there that does a good job and really can stay in there and be that guy as we develop the young guys; you’re going to have some hiccups, we know that we knew that going in,” said Reid. “But we’ll see if D.J. (Humphries) can do that. (Either) he can do it; if he can’t, he can’t. So, we’ll see how it goes.”

This Sunday’s game could clinch another AFC West division crown for Kansas City, as many will wait and see who will start at left tackle.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on the left tackle position this season: ‘We got a lot of young guys’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on the left tackle position this season: ‘We got a lot of young guys’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has stepped up his game recently but continues to deal with weekly pass rush pressure. During Wednesday’s press conference, he addressed the carousel of left tackles this season.

“I don’t know if it’s affected me too much. I mean, I’ve played with all those guys before, and I know those guys are out there battling. They’re out there, and they’ve played winning football before.” said Mahomes. “I just go about my business, go about my process, and try to stay within the scheme of the offense, and then when stuff breaks down, I try to go out there and make plays. I’m gonna continue to do that. ”

Mahomes was sacked ten times over the last two games, with much of the pressure coming from the left tackle. After several practices, he shared his thoughts on recently signed veteran D.J. Humphries.

“You see how talented he is. I mean, the physical gifts are there. It’s been cool to watch him interact with other guys, too.” said Mahomes. “I mean, he’s smart and willing to teach guys, which is big in that room. We got a lot of young guys there, so I’ve been very impressed, and I’m excited for him to get more and more work with more and more practice and hopefully be ready to go as soon as possible.”

Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suantanamia have alternated at the left tackle spot, and it could be coming to an end, with Humphries continuing to impress and ramping up in practice.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals D.J. Humphries’ playing chances heading into Week 14

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals D.J. Humphries’ playing chances heading into Week 14 | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media on Monday for his weekly Zoom press conference. He shared his thoughts on the playing status of recently signed left tackle D.J. Humphries ahead of Week 14.

“We’ll work him in and see how he feels, that’s the main thing. He hadn’t played in a while, so I just want to make sure he’s in a good position,” said Reid. “He did a nice job last week working in there, and we’ll do a little bit more with him this week.”

Humphries was listed as inactive for Week 13 as he watched from the sidelines days after joining the team.

“Listen, the last week was a short week, so we didn’t have a whole lot of time for the fast part of the game, practices, and so this week,” said Reid. “I’ll have a better idea as we go, and he’ll have a better idea of how he feels. Then we can proceed from there and see how it all works out.”

Humphries, a former Pro Bowler with the Arizona Cardinals, is also recovering from a knee injury that left him unsigned for a significant amount of time. Reid and the coaching staff are willing to be patient and ensure he’s ready to start and contribute on the offensive line.

“I don’t think that’s probably fair to D.J. right now, just him coming off this offseason,” said Reid. “I think we just play it by ear as we go, and if he feels OK, then we give him an opportunity. If it’s not where it needs to be, then you don’t, so we’ll just see how it goes.”

Humphries is eager to get on the field but has mentioned his willingness to wait for the coaching staff’s evaluation. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has suffered this season with problems at left tackle, including five sacks in each game the past two weeks.