The Kansas City Chiefs continue to make shifts, both large and small, to their offensive line as a primary offseason focus. General manager Brett Veach's latest move is adding a veteran interior lineman to the roster with the signing of Tremayne Anchrum.
The Chiefs added Anchrum, who comes with a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Los Angeles Rams, on Friday.
Anchrum was originally drafted by the Rams in the seventh round—nearly Mr. Irrelevant—at No. 250 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. While such a late-round pick will always have issues getting on the field (or even the active roster), Anchrum went from 12 games played (only on special teams) to 2 games over the next two years due to two long stints in injured reserve.
The good news for Anchrum is that he returned healthy for the 2023 season and played in all 17 games for the Rams. He even earned 96 snaps on offense in addition to some special teams action. But when his contract was up, he spiraled into free agency and has been on a journeyman's path ever since.
Post-Rams, Anchrum has struggled to find meaningful work. He spent three months with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2024 offseason and another month with the New Orleans Saints in training camp. He caught on with the Houston Texans last November on their practice squad and was given a spot on this year's offseason roster. However, GM Nick Caserio cut him loose before the 2025 draft.
What's interesting about Anchrum as a potential contributor for the Chiefs is that he brings a rarity up front: experience. While Trey Smith is the resident starter at right guard, and likely to receive a contract extension very soon, there's a significant void of leadership and proven experience elsewhere—both at left guard and among the potential backups.
The Chiefs are asking Kingsley Suamataia, last season's second-round choice out of BYU, to replace Thuney. Mike Caliendo is still on his rookie deal, but at least has some spot-starting experience. Hunter Nourzad and C.J. Hanson are both day three picks from a year ago who are untested themselves. Then there's rookie free agent Dalton Cooper behind them.
If there's a path forward for Anchrum on the Chiefs' roster, it's likely here in his potential to be viewed as a competent veteran if the youthful group of competitors prove frustrating in training camp. At the same time, it's not as if Anchrum comes with a wealth of on-field reps himself. He might have a ring and another year or two than others in the NFL, but it's still quite the long shot for Anchrum to make it to the final roster.
