Tag: offensive tackle

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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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.

Former Wisconsin offensive tackle declares for 2025 NFL draft

Former Wisconsin offensive tackle declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Kansas Jayhawks offensive tackle Logan Brown declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Wednesday.

“It has been an honor to represent the University of Kansas football program these past two years,” Brown wrote on X. “I want to thank my teammates for the memories we have made on and off the field and for competing with me day in and day out. I want to thank the coaching, athletic training, and support staff for allowing me to grow into the player and person I am today. I could not be more excited to declare for the 2025 NFL draft.”

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle spent four seasons with the Badgers from 2019-2022. After redshirting his freshman season, he appeared in 26 games, including three starts, for Wisconsin before entering the transfer portal in November 2022.

Brown joined Lance Leipold and the Kansas Jayhawks beginning in 2023. There, he logged 13 total appearances over two years before making the decision to go pro.

As a recruit, Brown was arguably the best offensive tackle in the country. 247Sports composite ranking considered Brown was the No. 17 overall prospect in the 2019 recruiting class, the No. 1 offensive tackle, and the No. 1 player from Michigan.

Brown never ended up panning out in Madison, but his move to Kansas appears to have worked in his favor. He blocked for 1,266-yard rusher Devin Neal for the 5-7 Jayhawks, a team responsible for eliminating the Colorado Buffaloes from College Football Playoff contention on Nov. 23.

He’s now projected as a mid-round pick in April’s draft.

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.

Broncos scouts are zeroing in on these college football teams

Broncos scouts have been paying close attention to Oregon and Washington games this fall. Here are the prospects to know from those schools.

Going into this weekend’s slate of college football games, the Denver Broncos have spent more time scouting the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats than any other college football programs.

That’s according to NFL draft pundit John Vogel, who reported last week that Denver scouts have attended three Oregon games and three Wildcats games this fall. Broncos general manager George Paton also attended the Washington Huskies game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in September.

The most notable prospect among the four colleges mentioned is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the top receiver in the 2025 class. The Wildcats’ offense also features offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.

Oregon has a host of prospects who could interest Denver’s staff, including receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, offensive tackles Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius, defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, and running back Jordan James.

Washington’s prospects of note include running back Jonah Coleman, safety Kamren Fabiculanan and receiver Giles Jackson. Meanwhile, the Rutgers’ offense features offensive tackle Hollin Pierce and running back Kyle Monangai.

With Broncos scouts and executives checking in on those programs, the above players will be worth monitoring this fall. The 2025 NFl draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26. Denver holds seven picks.

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Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on the offensive line’s progress: ‘They’re good players’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid comments on the offensive line’s progress: ‘They’re good players’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed his offensive line during Wednesday’s press conference, focusing on the game packages featuring extra offensive tackles recently required to be eligible as receivers.

“So, our called player was 64 (Wanya Morris), so we could sub Kingsley (Suamataia) out. When we put Mike (Caliendo) in, and Mike could come in – you have to sub the guy out – the called player,” said Reid. “So, to do what we were trying to do, you had to make that move, but I mean, it shows you the trust that we have in Kingsley, too, because we came in and threw the ball. It didn’t matter what the play was. We have two good young guys. They’re getting better as we go.”

Reid has rarely had an issue regarding his highly praised interior offensive line, as each player is dominant in their roles with All-Pro accolades.

“Well, they’re (Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Joe Thuney) all best buddies; they’re always together. They’re good players, and they work at it. They’ve played together long enough where they kind of know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and cover up the weakness with each other’s strengths.” said Reid. “Again, these challenges that we had – and this week won’t be any different. Their (Denver Broncos) inside guys are great, so it’ll be another big challenge for those inside three to execute. Just like last week was, that was a big challenge. They’re good friends, they spend a lot of time together, they study, they’re smart guys.”

The offensive line’s play has dramatically benefited the running game, as Kansas City remains one of the league’s better-rushing teams. The rotation of running backs due to injury hasn’t affected the on-field production, with Kareem Hunt quickly emerging as a standout in the group this season.

Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor restructured his contract to help the roster: ‘I’m a team-first guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor restructured his contract to help the roster: ‘I’m a team-first guy’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor spoke with reporters on Saturday about his recent agreement to restructure his contract. The new deal opened up space to make recent additions to the roster after several injuries.

“I’m a team-first guy, so anything to help the team win or help the team become better,” said Taylor, “I’m willing to do that, so it wasn’t really much of a conversation. I just had to make it happen, and when it was presented to me, it wasn’t even a thought. I was just willing to help the team.”

The veteran right tackle’s sacrifice opened the door for the trades that brought DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche to Kansas City. Taylor reportedly cleared 5.3 million in cap space for the team.

“We always want the opportunity to get better and help the team in whatever way we can,” said Taylor, “We had a couple of guys go down with injuries and stuff like that, so I think the guys we brought in are definitely going to help us out.”

Taylor has played better this year, limiting the penalties that plagued his 2023 season. He is a respected veteran who is committed to helping the team win.

Should Pittsburgh target an offensive lineman at the trade deadline? 

Poor penalty management by Steelers’ RT Broderick Jones, and injuries to the offensive line may need to be solved via trade by the deadline.

It is truly miraculous how the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to win games given how injured their offensive line is. In Week 8, the Steelers were missing three starting offensive linemen, with two out for the entirety of the regular season. The interior depth on the o-line has been great, but the tackle position may need an upgrade before the upcoming trade deadline on November 5th. 

LT Dan Moore Jr., whose play has been outstanding this season, was banged up and had to sit out one play late in Week 8’s contest. Backup offensive lineman Spencer Anderson replaced him and immediately allowed QB Russell Wilson to get sacked. 

RT Broderick Jones continues to commit penalties that kill offensive momentum, and while it is probably time for HC Mike Tomlin to bench him, there is truly no quality starter who could take his place. 

Offensive tackle trade targets such as Cam Robinson, Andrus Peat, or Walker Little could help alleviate the injury woes. This team looks primed to make a deep playoff run, but they’ll first need to address depth issues on the offensive side of the football. 

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