Domonique Foxworth Critiques Chiefs’ Offseason Moves, Raises Concerns Over Patrick Mahomes’ Protection

Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Domonique Foxworth has raised serious questions about the Kansas City Chiefs’ approach to their offseason moves, especially in regard to helping superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Following a crushing Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs entered the offseason with several significant gaps to address. Yet, Foxworth believes that the Chiefs’ failure to make bold moves to reinforce their roster, particularly on the offensive line, could hinder Mahomes’ ability to remain at the top of his game.

During a heated discussion on Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take, Foxworth didn’t hold back as he compared the Chiefs’ offseason moves—or lack thereof—to those made by the Chicago Bears, a team in the NFC that he believes has done a much better job of reinforcing its roster. While the Bears added notable players to help build around their young quarterback, Justin Fields, Foxworth emphasized that the Chiefs’ lack of action in key areas could ultimately prove costly for Mahomes, who has already proven to be one of the league’s most talented and dynamic quarterbacks.

“The Chiefs lost their best offensive lineman, their guard Joe Thuney, who was also one of their best tackles,” Foxworth said. “The way that they answered it was by getting a backup tackle from the 49ers to protect the best quarterback in the league on his blindside. It feels like they failed him.”

Foxworth’s concerns center on the Chiefs’ approach to protecting Mahomes, whose ability to extend plays and make spectacular throws has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in NFL history. However, with Mahomes’ unique skill set comes an increased risk of injury, particularly when he doesn’t have adequate protection from his offensive line. Joe Thuney, who had been a rock on the Chiefs’ offensive line, was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning season, and losing him was a blow to the team’s overall strength.

In an attempt to address the gap left by Thuney, the Chiefs signed a backup tackle from the San Francisco 49ers. While this may seem like a modest move, Foxworth argues that it falls short in comparison to the moves made by other teams to bolster their offensive lines and build stronger support systems for their quarterbacks. For Foxworth, this approach raises legitimate concerns about whether Mahomes will be able to consistently perform at an elite level if his protection isn’t up to the task.

“We’ve seen them try to fix this position through the draft in the past,” Foxworth added. “But their draft picks haven’t worked out as well as they would have hoped. You can’t continue to roll the dice with young players or backups protecting your franchise quarterback.”

Foxworth’s critique of the Chiefs’ offensive line is particularly concerning given the context of the AFC’s competitiveness. With teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Los Angeles Chargers all making strides to improve their rosters and challenge the Chiefs for supremacy, the margin for error for Kansas City is shrinking. The Chiefs can no longer rely solely on Mahomes’ otherworldly talents to carry them to victory; they need a stronger, more dependable offensive line to ensure Mahomes can continue to thrive.

The Chiefs’ front office is under scrutiny for not making more aggressive moves to shore up the offensive line, which, as Foxworth pointed out, remains one of the most critical areas of concern. While Mahomes is undoubtedly a transcendent talent, no quarterback can perform at the highest level without adequate protection, and with the loss of a key offensive lineman like Thuney, the Chiefs’ decision to rely on a backup tackle from the 49ers may not be enough to maintain their Super Bowl aspirations.

While Foxworth’s criticism may be harsh, it is grounded in a valid concern: protecting Patrick Mahomes is not just an option for the Chiefs; it is an absolute necessity. Mahomes has shown time and time again that he is capable of taking the Chiefs to the highest of heights, but as the competition in the NFL continues to intensify, Kansas City must ensure that he has the support he needs on the field to succeed. A failure to properly address this issue could result in Mahomes being put at greater risk, potentially hindering his ability to maintain his place as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

As the NFL offseason rolls on and the Chiefs prepare for another run at the Super Bowl, it remains to be seen whether their decisions will come back to haunt them. With Mahomes leading the charge, they will undoubtedly remain a playoff contender, but the question is whether they’ve done enough to provide him with the protection and support necessary to secure another championship. If the Chiefs fail to protect their franchise quarterback, Foxworth’s criticisms could be proven right—and it could cost them in the long run.

In the end, the Chiefs’ success—or failure—may come down to how well they can keep Mahomes upright. The pressure is on the Kansas City front office to prove that their decisions were the right ones to keep Mahomes not only healthy but in a position to continue dominating the NFL for years to come.