Drafted Talent Faces Uncertainty
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Josh Simmons as their first-round pick in the 2025 draft. They intended for him to be their starting left tackle for the next decade. However, his future in Kansas City now appears uncertain. Recent reports suggest he might exit the team before completing his second NFL season.
Dispute with the Coaching Staff
Simmons, aged 23, reportedly engaged in a heated argument with head coach Andy Reid before a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Both Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes advised him to leave a team meeting. Following this incident, Simmons was placed on injured reserve because of ongoing back problems.
“Simmons was sitting with his feet up in the offense’s meeting room when Reid asked him to put his feet down,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, citing multiple sources who witnessed the situation. “Simmons responded that he needed to sit that way due to back and hip pain.”
Reid advised Simmons to seek help from athletic trainers if he was hurt. The exchange escalated, disrupting the meeting, until Mahomes also suggested Simmons leave to get treatment. Simmons left the meeting room but remained within the facility.
Performance and Playing Time Concerns
Beyond the incident, Simmons’ performance raises concerns. Since being drafted as the 32nd overall pick two seasons ago, he has missed 15 out of 23 games. Rapoport commented on ESPN that Simmons might have played his last game for the Chiefs, despite being an extremely talented left tackle.
“There are many questions about Josh Simmons, who is as talented a left tackle as you could possibly get,” said Rapoport. “I don’t know if he plays for the Chiefs again. Protecting Patrick Mahomes is crucial, and there needs to be trust in the person doing it.”
Replacement and Backup Performance
Filling in for Simmons, undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson has stepped up as the starting left tackle. He has performed exceptionally well, allowing only 16 pressures and eight hurries over 374 offensive snaps without conceding a sack in six games, as noted by Pro Football Focus.