As the Kansas City Chiefs charge into the 2025 preseason, the battle for the starting left guard position has taken center stage at training camp. All eyes are on Kingsley Suamataia, the second-year lineman who has commanded every single first-team snap through the opening week. The Chiefs’ unwavering commitment to the former second-round pick sends a resounding message: Suamataia is their guy.
The buzz around Suamataia isn’t new. Selected out of Brigham Young in the 2024 NFL Draft, he entered the league with high expectations and was thrust into the starting left tackle role during last year’s offseason. However, after a brief stint in Week 2 revealed he wasn’t quite ready for the spotlight, the Chiefs opted for patience, allowing him to develop from the sidelines for most of his rookie season. A late-season start at left guard in Week 18 offered a glimpse of his potential, setting the stage for his current role.
This year, the Chiefs have shifted Suamataia inside to left guard, a move prompted by the departure of perennial All-Pro Joe Thuney, who was traded to the Chicago Bears in the offseason to clear cap space for right guard Trey Smith’s extension. The transition has been seamless so far, with Suamataia anchoring the line between left tackle Josh Simmons and center Creed Humphrey. Every practice rep with the first-team unit underscores Kansas City’s confidence in his ability to claim the starting job.
While the Chiefs are known for rotating players during the preseason to evaluate their options, Suamataia’s monopoly on first-team snaps suggests the coaching staff, led by Andy Reid, is laser-focused on preparing him for Week 1. This isn’t to say the competition is over. Mike Caliendo, who stepped up admirably at left guard late last season when Thuney slid to tackle amid injuries, remains a viable contender. Caliendo’s experience and versatility make him a player to watch, and a strong showing in camp could reignite the battle. Rookie Hunter Nourzad also lurks as a potential dark horse, ready to push for playing time.
Still, the Chiefs’ actions speak louder than words. By giving Suamataia the lion’s share of reps, they’re doubling down on the potential they saw when they drafted him. His athleticism, size, and raw talent have long been tantalizing, and now, with a year of NFL seasoning under his belt, Suamataia appears poised to deliver. As training camp progresses, all eyes will remain on the young lineman to see if he can lock down the role and solidify Kansas City’s offensive line for another Super Bowl run.