For this coming season, the Kansas City Chiefs are moving Kingsley Suamataia inside. In the years to come, however, the door leading to another try at offensive tackle is still open.
Coming into the '25 campaign, the news that Suamataia would be shifting to the competition at left guard felt like an admission that the Chiefs' second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft didn't turn as originally hoped. However, recent comments from head coach Andy Reid might leave that option on the table—even at a far later date.
Reid spoke with the media on Monday before the 2025 NFL Draft to discuss the latest roster updates and the opening of voluntary workouts for players. After being asked about the status of Suamataia, Reid noted that he will shift inside—at least for now.
Suamataia moved inside to left guard for one start last season—a meaningless season-ending game against the Denver Broncos in Week 18. While the game didn't mean anything to the Chiefs as a team, it allowed Suamataia to turn heads at a new position, which carried over into the team's plans for a new season.
Kingsley Suamataia's first try at tackle didn't turn out so well, but that doesn't mean he's out of chances.
"When we brought him in, we knew he had that flexibility. We just felt that way athletically, and he's a very good athlete. He can run and he can bounce back, do all the things that he needs to do," said Reid.
"I thought he felt more comfortable in there as a young guy. Sometimes you see guys that start in there and then they work their way back outside. So we stuck him in there and he did a nice job against Denver. That was one of the bright spots in a game that didn't have many," Reid continued. "So I thought he did a good job, and that's where we'll put him.
Reid also mentioned Suamataia's name in conjunction with Mike Caliendo as the main competitors for the left guard role vacated by the Joe Thuney trade made earlier this offseason with the Chicago Bears.
Suamataia was originally drafted to be the Chiefs left tackle, and the BYU product even earned the role outright during training camp. The Chiefs went with Suamataia in Week 1 in a win over the Baltimore Ravens and again in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the team benched him during the latter and replaced him with Wanya Morris, the first of several moves at the position.
It's important to remember that Suamataia is only 22 years old and was always projected as a high-ceiling prospect with developmental traits that would take time. It's quite possible the Chiefs will give him the chance to once again slide outside after gaining more experience at the NFL level.
