Nate Taylor: Chiefs targeting OT Ronnie Stanley in free agency

[wazu]

New story. Joe Thuney did everything the Chiefs asked of him — & more.

What’s next for the Chiefs?

They plan to sign Trey Smith to an extension & acquire a new left tackle, targeting Ronnie Stanley.https://t.co/1cKzfqMDbu

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) March 5, 2025

When free agency begins, the Chiefs will target Ronnie Stanley, the nine-year veteran who is the best left tackle available on the market, according to sources. Stanley, who will turn 31 this month, started all 17 season games last season for the Baltimore Ravens. He earned a 70.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed just three sacks.

[staylor26]

Originally Posted by SHOWTIME

Like Veach hinted at, they will get their tackle in the draft

When did Veach "hint" at this?

If anything, he hinted at a defense heavy draft.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by YontsRBake

I’m not so sure Kingsley is the replacement for Thuney. Why would they not have just played him over Caliendo there last year if that was the plan?

Solid observation

[nychief]

Honestly... i'd be happiest with Jaylon Moore of the three available FA LTs. He has the most upside and is acceding and is a good pass blocker. I think it would be a shrewd Veach move...

That being said, I have no f'n idea what is going to happen over there.

[RunKC]

They’re gonna go after a LT tomorrow.

�� UPDATE ��

The #Chiefs are expected to gauge the top of the left tackle market in free agency.

Per, @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/i00zfngkV8

— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) March 9, 2025

[staylor26]

The KCSN guys seem to be dreading the idea of the Chiefs signing a LT and prefer to draft one at 31.

I don't get it at all.

Why would you prefer to put yourself in a position that forces you to take a LT at 31? This draft class is just like the free agency class. There are more options than people think, but not a lot of value.

The best way to get value is overpay for a little at LT and then get value in the draft on the DL and at RB.

[nychief]

Originally Posted by RunKC

They’re gonna go after a LT tomorrow.

�� UPDATE ��

The #Chiefs are expected to gauge the top of the left tackle market in free agency.

Per, @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/i00zfngkV8

— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) March 9, 2025

"gauge" is doing somw heavy lifting here.

[O.city]

I'd guess Dan Moore signing is announced at the start of FA.

[RINGLEADER]

Originally Posted by staylor26

The KCSN guys seem to be dreading the idea of the Chiefs signing a LT and prefer to draft one at 31.

I don't get it at all.

Why would you prefer to put yourself in a position that forces you to take a LT at 31? This draft class is just like the free agency class. There are more options than people think, but not a lot of value.

The best way to get value is overpay for a little at LT and then get value in the draft on the DL and at RB.

Because of the value at the position it makes so much sense to try and find a LT in the draft but the downside is what we witnessed in the Super Bowl (and really all year). You do lose some flexibility in being able to pay the rest of your roster, but I don’t think we want to roll those dice again (so I ultimately agree with you).

Mahomes can convert whatever the cap hit is for a LT quite easily with a restructure so not terribly concerned but it will force us to lose some pieces. Just have to draft better at those other positions!

[SHOWTIME]

Originally Posted by Bowser

I'm not a fan of drafting someone at 31 (or lower) and expecting them to be the week 1 starter. We need a vet with Kingsley being our new left guard, and all.

Chiefs are currently $3 million over the cap. Not sure there is enough space to bring in any free agents this week without some extensions and tinkering. They have to get under the salary cap by Wednesday at 12 PM. I'd be pretty shocked to see them sign a LT, but never say never.

[RINGLEADER]

Originally Posted by SHOWTIME

Chiefs are currently $3 million over the cap. Not sure there is enough space to bring in any free agents this week without some extensions and tinkering. They have to get under the salary cap by Wednesday at 12 PM. I'd be pretty shocked to see them sign a LT, but never say never.

Convert Mahomes full salary into a signing bonus. $66M cap hit becomes as low as $11M. Chiefs can do whatever they want through the end of Mahomes deal, and as long as he’s Mahomes they’ll keep adding years, but sometime in the distant future we’re going to field a team with half the cap but who cares about 10+ years from now?

Bottom line is we have plenty of dollars available if we need them.

Also, regarding signing a LT, if we get someone on a Staley sized deal and structure it like we did with Creed you’re looking at cap hits of $6M, then $12M, then $18M the first three years so, again, all very doable.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by staylor26

When did Veach "hint" at this?

If anything, he hinted at a defense heavy draft.

This is CP. We see what we want to see, and read what we want to be true into any and everything.

[JPH83]

Originally Posted by nychief

Honestly... i'd be happiest with Jaylon Moore of the three available FA LTs. He has the most upside and is acceding and is a good pass blocker. I think it would be a shrewd Veach move...

That being said, I have no f'n idea what is going to happen over there.

I'm the same, he's been my preference throughout. Although sounds like he'll cost a fair wedge now. But honestly, if they end up just getting DJ back...I can live with it, if it gives us flexibility in the draft.

[JPH83]

Originally Posted by staylor26

The KCSN guys seem to be dreading the idea of the Chiefs signing a LT and prefer to draft one at 31.

I don't get it at all.

Why would you prefer to put yourself in a position that forces you to take a LT at 31? This draft class is just like the free agency class. There are more options than people think, but not a lot of value.

The best way to get value is overpay for a little at LT and then get value in the draft on the DL and at RB.

I think I agree, vet insurance at LT is absolutely necessary - to allow BPA in a draft where we REALLY need to hit, to enable a LT prospect to redshirt if necessary, and to provide a higher floor than last year. I don't think I want Cam Robinson on an expensive multi-year contract unless we can bail after, say, 2, but we need someone, even if that's DJ back.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by JPH83

I think I agree, vet insurance at LT is absolutely necessary - to allow BPA in a draft where we REALLY need to hit, to enable a LT prospect to redshirt if necessary, and to provide a higher floor than last year. I don't think I want Cam Robinson on an expensive multi-year contract unless we can bail after, say, 2, but we need someone, even if that's DJ back.

DJ has already indicated he signed last season for this year. He fully expects to be back.

In a perfect world he's got plenty of competition and is a vet swing/BU.

[TRR]

Originally Posted by O.city

I'd guess Dan Moore signing is announced at the start of FA.

I find it amazingly hard to believe that KC watched Mike Danna and FAU blow past Turnstile Dan in week 17, and said…that’s our guy.