Losing Joe Thuney put more pressure than ever on Creed Humphrey

From the moment former Philadelphia Eagles lineman Jason Kelce retired, his brother's (Travis's) teammate took over as the league's best center. The notion was only cemented by Creed Humphrey's All-Pro selection after the 2024 season. Even when Humphrey slightly struggled with his snapping mechanics, he's still the Kansas City Chiefs' best pound-for-pound blocker.

The Chiefs' o-line worries heading into 2025 are largely linked to left tackle, and the Andys—Reid and Heck—are focused on Josh Simmons' development and Jaylon Moore's arrival. The hope is that the offseason's acquisitions solve the concern while the interior remains a strength of the roster.

Operating at maximum capacity, the center can eliminate about a third of Mahomes' responsibilities on any given down. But with Kingsley Suamataia's likely move to Joe Thuney's left guard spot, the Chiefs' front is still missing some juice from the past. Thuney is expected to provide a massive leadership boost to his new team, the Chicago Bears, so a subtraction should be expected on the other side.

The Chiefs are giving Creed Humphrey a heavy mantle to wear with the depature of Joe Thuney.

When every option was exhausted for the blind side, Thuney shifted over to provide competency at the very least. The coaching staff was more willing to make this dramatic shift with an all-world center. With a backup guard, the assistance from Humphrey, and trust that Smith would handle his end, it went a long way. Even then, Thuney accomplished his All-Pro honors and reputation as a guard, which requires a different skillset than tackle. He lacked the freakish quickness we see from legendary dancing bears.

Both Moore and Simmons have as many question marks around them as Suamataia did just a year ago. Moore sat behind Trent Williams in San Francisco, which isn't a slight, but he lacks the necessary reps for a player deep into his twenties. Simmons' knee still brings lingering questions, but his youth excites many. If a situation arises simlarly to last season, employing Creed Humphrey, a second signal caller, should allow some flexibility again.

Either or both will likely fit into one of the roles that casuals are unaware of, the swing tackle, someone able to play on either side of the line. As Jawaan Taylor's price tag and penalty count grow, another tackle familiar with the playbook is a critical piece of the future. Creed Humphrey, along with Trey Smith, became some of the best linemen in the NFL through their short careers, so they are uniquely positioned to assist in development. Being that Humphrey is the only player other than the quarterback to touch the ball every play, then his part is especially important.

The Chiefs were able to rebuild their offensive line after a similar performance in Super Bowl LV, so a post-Super Bowl LIX reclamation is doable. Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith were massive parts of that restoration and will have pivotal roles to play headed into 2025. Protecting the team's biggest asset and the sport's most popular player is paramount to winning games and contending for championships, so Reid and his coaching staff will do what's necessary.