In a stunning move that sent ripples through the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs traded four-time Super Bowl champion and All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears this spring. The blockbuster deal was driven by the need to franchise tag right guard Trey Smith, re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton, and pursue critical free agent additions. However, the trade left a glaring hole at left guard, sparking speculation about how the Chiefs plan to fortify their offensive line for another Super Bowl run.
The financial reasoning behind the Thuney trade became clear when the Bears inked him to a lucrative two-year, $35 million contract—a figure that made retaining both Thuney and Smith untenable for Kansas City. As of June 24, 2025, the Chiefs are navigating tight cap constraints, with just under $11 million in available space, per Over the Cap. Relief is on the horizon, though, as general manager Brett Veach is expected to finalize a long-term extension with Smith, whose current $23.402 million fully guaranteed cap hit could be significantly reduced.
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Amid this financial juggling, Pro Football Network has floated a bold trade proposal that could reshape the Chiefs’ offensive line: acquiring Cleveland Browns’ two-time second-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller. The 30-year-old veteran, known for his versatility and dominance, could seamlessly step into the left guard role, providing an immediate upgrade over unproven options like second-year lineman Kingsley Suamataia or backup Mike Caliendo.
Why Wyatt Teller to Kansas City Makes Sense
Pro Football Network’s analysts laid out a compelling case for why Teller could be the missing piece for the Chiefs’ offensive line. After falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s Super Bowl, Kansas City entered the offseason determined to strengthen both their offensive and defensive fronts. While the Chiefs’ offensive line ranked a respectable 12th in 2024, the Thuney trade created a vacancy at left guard that remains unaddressed.
Second-year lineman Kingsley Suamataia, who struggled at left tackle last season, is expected to compete for the starting left guard spot. Though he may be better suited to the interior, his inexperience raises concerns about whether he can handle the role. Behind Suamataia and Smith, the Chiefs’ guard depth is thin, making a veteran acquisition like Teller an intriguing option.
Teller, a right guard by trade, has the versatility to slide to the left side if needed. His credentials speak for themselves: a three-time Pro Bowler with 91 starts in 99 career appearances (including playoffs) since entering the league in 2018. Despite starting only 13 games in 2024, Teller’s addition could instantly elevate Kansas City’s interior line—featuring himself, center Creed Humphrey, and Smith—into one of the NFL’s elite trios.
From Cleveland’s perspective, trading Teller could align with their plans. Both of the Browns’ starting guards, Teller and Joel Bitonio, are in the final year of their contracts in 2025. At 33, Bitonio is the elder statesman, while the younger Teller could fetch a higher trade return. A post-June 1 trade would save Cleveland $7 million in cap space, albeit with $19.2 million in dead money spread through 2028. If the Browns stumble early in the season, they might be motivated to deal Teller to a contender like Kansas City.
Is the Teller Trade Feasible?
The Chiefs would prefer to solidify their starting offensive line before Week 1, but banking on Suamataia or Caliendo carries risks. If either falters, Kansas City could pivot to a midseason trade for Teller as a contingency plan—a strategy they’ve employed before. Last year, the Chiefs signed free agent D.J. Humphries midseason to bolster their left tackle position, a move that paid dividends. A similar approach with Teller isn’t far-fetched.
Financially, the trade hinges on Kansas City finalizing Smith’s extension to free up cap space. Teller’s $14-plus million cap hit is currently out of reach, though Cleveland could sweeten the deal by absorbing a portion of his salary. If the stars align, the Chiefs could pull off a coup, landing a proven veteran to stabilize their line and fuel their quest for a third straight Super Bowl title.
The Bottom Line
The Chiefs’ interest in Wyatt Teller underscores their relentless pursuit of excellence. While Suamataia and Caliendo will get their shot to claim the left guard role, Kansas City’s front office is clearly exploring all avenues to ensure their offensive line remains a strength. Trading for a player of Teller’s caliber would send a clear message: the Chiefs are all-in on their championship window.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kansas City’s offensive line and whether they roll the dice on youth or make a splash for a battle-tested All-Pro. One thing is certain—Brett Veach and the Chiefs are never afraid to make bold moves to keep their dynasty alive.