Chiefs could land this ‘Perfect’ free agent to help Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the NFL in recent years, but even dynasties have weaknesses. One glaring issue in their 2024 season was the offensive line, which struggled to provide adequate protection for Patrick Mahomes. Now, heading into the 2025 season, the Chiefs must reinforce their trenches to keep their star quarterback safe and maximize their chances of another Super Bowl run.

One name that has emerged as an ideal fit for Kansas City is Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley. As the Chiefs look to fill the void left by Joe Thuney’s departure, Stanley is being viewed as the “perfect” free-agent acquisition to solidify the left tackle position and give Mahomes the protection he desperately needs.

Why the Chiefs Must Prioritize Offensive Line Help

The Super Bowl Struggles Were a Wake-Up Call

While the Chiefs have long relied on Mahomes’ ability to make magic happen under pressure, even he has limits. The offensive line’s shortcomings were painfully evident in Super Bowl 59, where Kansas City suffered a crushing loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Mahomes was pressured relentlessly, forcing him to scramble more than usual, and it was clear that the Chiefs could no longer afford to ignore their offensive line woes.

The left tackle position was a particular area of concern, as Kansas City rotated four different players at the spot throughout the 2024 season, none of whom provided consistent protection. Without a true anchor at left tackle, Mahomes was often forced to make off-script plays, which, while thrilling, are not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Joe Thuney’s Departure Creates a Major Void

In a move to create salary cap flexibility, the Chiefs made a difficult decision by trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears. Thuney had been a vital part of Kansas City’s offensive line since signing a five-year, $80 million deal in 2021. His versatility was a major asset, as he even filled in at left tackle during key moments in 2024 to stabilize the unit.

However, his departure now leaves a massive hole on the offensive line, making it even more critical for the Chiefs to find a reliable left tackle in free agency. Enter Ronnie Stanley—a two-time Pro Bowler who has protected Lamar Jackson’s blindside in Baltimore for years.

Why Ronnie Stanley is the “Perfect” Fit for Kansas City

Elite Pass Protection for an Elite Quarterback

One of the biggest reasons Stanley is being linked to the Chiefs is his pass-blocking ability. Patrick Mahomes is known for extending plays, often holding onto the ball for longer than 2.5 seconds before throwing.

Since 2022, no quarterback in the NFL has thrown more passes after holding the ball for that long than Mahomes. Meanwhile, during that same period, Stanley has posted a 77.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, ranking 17th among all qualified tackles.

This makes Stanley an ideal match for Mahomes’ play style, as he has the patience and technique to sustain blocks longer than most offensive linemen. With Stanley at left tackle, Mahomes would have more time to operate, leading to fewer hurried throws and more big plays downfield.

Proven Experience at a Critical Position

The Chiefs have struggled to find a long-term solution at left tackle ever since Orlando Brown Jr. left in free agency following the 2022 season. They experimented with multiple players in 2024, but none provided the consistency needed to protect Mahomes effectively.

Stanley, however, is a seasoned veteran with years of experience protecting a mobile quarterback like Lamar Jackson. He understands the nuances of blocking for a dual-threat QB, making him well-equipped to handle Mahomes’ unpredictable movement in the pocket.

With Super Bowl experience and multiple playoff runs under his belt, Stanley wouldn’t just be a temporary fix—he’d be a stable, veteran presence in the locker room and on the field.

A Risk Worth Taking Despite Injury Concerns

If there’s one red flag with Stanley, it’s his injury history. Since entering the league in 2016, he has struggled to stay on the field consistently. In fact, 2024 marked the first full season he played since 2019.

From 2020 to 2023, Stanley appeared in just 48 out of 84 possible games, which is something the Chiefs will have to weigh carefully when making an offer.

However, given the desperate need for offensive line help, Kansas City may be willing to take the risk. With the right training staff, recovery plan, and rotation strategy, they could help Stanley stay healthy while reaping the benefits of his elite pass-blocking skills.

Contract Projections and Salary Cap Implications

How Much Will Stanley Cost?

Given his track record and recent full season of play, Stanley is expected to command a sizable contract in free agency. Current projections suggest he could land a two-year deal worth around $40 million, with a significant portion guaranteed to account for his injury risk.

While this might seem like a hefty price tag, the Chiefs must be willing to invest in protecting Mahomes. If they opt for a cheaper alternative, they risk another season of offensive line instability, which could cost them in the playoffs.

How the Chiefs Can Make Room for Stanley

Kansas City isn’t exactly swimming in cap space, but they do have options to free up more room:

• Restructuring Mahomes’ contract to spread out his cap hit
• Releasing or restructuring veteran contracts (e.g., Marquez Valdes-Scantling)
• Exploring post-June 1st cuts to maximize savings

If the Chiefs prioritize protecting Mahomes, they’ll find a way to make the financials work.

What Happens If the Chiefs Don’t Sign Stanley?

While Stanley is an ideal target, there’s always the possibility that Kansas City loses out on the bidding war. If that happens, they’ll need to consider other options, including:

• Drafting a left tackle in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft
• Pursuing other veteran free agents like Donovan Smith or Jonah Williams
• Exploring trade options with teams looking to move offensive linemen

That said, Stanley remains the best immediate solution given his experience and fit within Kansas City’s offensive scheme.

Final Thoughts: A Move That Could Define Kansas City’s 2025 Season

The Kansas City Chiefs have a clear priority this offseason: protect Patrick Mahomes at all costs. After witnessing their offensive line struggles firsthand in 2024, they cannot afford to enter another season with uncertainty at left tackle.

Ronnie Stanley presents a rare opportunity to land a proven, high-level tackle who aligns perfectly with Mahomes’ play style. Yes, his injury history is a concern, but the potential upside far outweighs the risk.

If Kansas City pulls the trigger and signs Stanley, they will immediately strengthen their offensive line, giving Mahomes the protection he needs to lead the Chiefs on another Super Bowl run.

With free agency fast approaching, all eyes are on Kansas City’s front office. Will they make the move that could define their 2025 season? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—protecting Mahomes is priority No. 1, and Ronnie Stanley might just be the perfect piece to do it.