The Kansas City Chiefs' gamble on Josh Simmons at left tackle has spiraled this season. When healthy, the former first-round pick has flashed game-changing ability, but injuries and now a reported locker-room incident have cast serious doubt on his future with the team.
According to NFL Network, during a recent offensive meeting, Simmons had his feet up on a table, prompting head coach Andy Reid to ask him to leave. Simmons reportedly pushed back, claiming his back and hips were aching and he needed to sit that way. Reid told him to go see the trainers if he was truly in pain. The back-and-forth disrupted the meeting, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes backed Reid, telling Simmons to leave and get treatment. A frustrated Simmons exited the room but stayed in the building, later apologizing to Reid and team leadership for how he handled it.
Shortly after that incident, the Chiefs placed Simmons on injured reserve. Now, NFL insider Ian Rapoport suggests the 2026 season may already be over for Simmons in Kansas City.
“I don’t know if he plays for the Chiefs again,” Rapoport said on ESPN’s “Big Day.” “I don’t know when he plays for the Chiefs again. There’s nothing more important than protecting Patrick Mahomes. You have to believe in the person doing it, and until that happens, I don’t know that he’s out there.”
If Simmons misses the rest of the season, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson from Indiana is likely to step in as Mahomes’ blindside protector. Benson will get a chance to prove he can handle the job on a full-time basis. If he stumbles, the Chiefs could be shopping for a new left tackle in the offseason.
The timing couldn't be worse for Kansas City, as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City. The offensive line will be shorthanded, and keeping Mahomes upright against a ferocious Broncos defense is the top priority. This situation echoes the recent meeting-room drama involving Mahomes and an injured teammate, and it raises questions about the team's chemistry as they push for another deep playoff run.
Simmons' tenure with the Chiefs has been a rollercoaster. He showed promise when healthy, but his inability to stay on the field and now this reported attitude issue have made him a liability. The Chiefs invested a first-round pick in him, but if Rapoport's words are any indication, they may be ready to move on.
For now, all eyes are on the offensive line's performance against Denver. If Benson holds up, the Chiefs might feel more comfortable cutting ties with Simmons. If not, the front office will have to weigh their options. Either way, it looks like the trade rumors swirling around the Chiefs' offensive line could heat up as the deadline approaches.
Simmons' future in Kansas City is uncertain, but one thing is clear: his time with the Chiefs may be done.
