The Kansas City Chiefs‘ offensive line has faced a minor revamp this offseason, but there may be work to be done yet.
At least according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who believes the team should look to trade offensive tackle, Wanya Morris, this offseason.
“A year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs staged a competition between 2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia at left tackle.” Knox wrote. “Neither proved to be a dependable starter, and by the end of the season, the Chiefs had added D.J. Humphries and moved Joe Thuney from guard to left tackle.”
Wanya Morris Not A ‘Dependable Starter’ At Left Tackle
Having failed to secure the starting position, and having just two years left on his rookie contract, Morris’ future did not look great heading into free agency and the draft. Yet, after the team bought in multiple tackles to vie for the role, he could be as low as the 4th OT on the depth chart after Suamataia was moved inside to guard.
“This offseason, Kansas City signed Jaylon Moore before using a first-round pick on Josh Simmons. Morris is listed as the backup left tackle on the Chiefs’Â initial 2025 roster, but they should make him available via trade.
Simmons appears set to start at left tackle, and Kansas City is preparing Moore to provide depth at both tackle spots and at guard…Morris, 24, can provide depth, but he’s unlikely to stick beyond this rookie contract. His 15 career starts and rookie salary could draw interest from budget-conscious tackle-needy teams, and the Chiefs could save $1.2 million in cap space by trading him.”
What Would A Trade For Morris Accomplish For The Chiefs?
If a player is considered a decent backup by one team, and no other team realistically views them as a starter, then are bona fide questions as to why the player would be traded.
One reason could be injury – see a team like the Los Angeles Chargers – who received some very unfortunate news about Rashawn Slater on Thursday, who will now miss the entirety of the 2025 season after tearing his patellar tendon.
Or perhaps team is desirous of a player like Morris – who whilst perhaps not starting quality – can provide some vague cover on either side of the line, and has valuable experience playing and starting in the NFL for a top-tier organization.
And while his 53.0 grade from PFF, that ranked him 106th out of 140 qualifying OTs is not great by any means, he does have 15 career starts in just two years in the league.
It’s obviously very unlikely that Kansas City would manage to recoup anything resembling the third round pick they originally gave up for him in 2023, but if the franchise do not view him as being a part of their future heading into next season and beyond, getting something is certainly better than nothing.
A delayed sixth or seventh round pick in 2027 would likely be enough to secure the services of Morris, who has two more years on his deal.
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