'Long-Standing Problem' for Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Singled Out by NFL Expert

The Kansas City Chiefs will continue to scour the free agent market in the coming days for possible players to surround star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs failed in their quest for three straight championships after bowing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

Kansas City selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons as the last pick of the first round of the recently concluded NFL draft. 

The Chiefs also got Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte, California cornerback Nohl Williams, Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals, Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and SMU running back Brashard Smith with their other picks.

The Chiefs got exposed by the Eagles in the title game, with Mahomes getting sacked six times. He also committed three turnovers in an uncharacteristic performance.

For ESPN analyst Adam Teicher, the Andy Reid-coached squad should address their "long-standing problem" at left tackle.

"Kansas City has tried to address its need at the position, signing Jaylon Moore in free agency and drafting Ohio State's Josh Simmons in the first round," wrote Teicher. "But each comes with questions.

"Moore has been a career backup, so can he be a better-than-adequate starter? Simmons is coming off a torn patella, so can he overcome the injury to have a long and productive NFL career?"

The 27-year-old Moore, who was a backup of San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, signed a two-year deal worth $30 million, according to Spotrac. The 22-year-old Simmons, meanwhile, was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the draft class.

It, however, remains unclear how heavy their roles will be, especially in a loaded lineup.

"If the answer to both of those (aforementioned) questions is negative, it will be difficult for the Chiefs to continue overcoming a liability at a critical position," added Teicher.