Kansas City, MO – April 11, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have landed their left tackle of the future, striking a blockbuster trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to leap 12 spots in the 2025 NFL Draft, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. Kansas City sent their second-round (No. 63) and fourth-round (No. 126) picks to secure pick No. 19, nabbing Texas star Kelvin Banks Jr.—a move that ends a years-long quest for stability.
The Chiefs’ offensive line faltered in their 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles, with six sacks exposing Patrick Mahomes. Trading Joe Thuney to the Bears in March left a void at left tackle, and GM Brett Veach wasn’t waiting. “Kelvin’s our guy—elite, ready now,” Veach said post-trade.
Banks, a First-Team AP All-American and 2024 Lombardi Award winner, dazzled at Texas—6’5”, 315 pounds, with 36 starts (NFL.com). His First-Team All-SEC nod and bulldozing run-blocking make him a Day 1 starter. “He’s a fortress,” an AFC scout gushed.
Chiefs Kingdom roared on X: “Banks at 19? Veach’s a genius!” one fan tweeted. “Mahomes’ blindside’s locked—Super Bowl bound!” another cheered. The trade leapfrogged tackle-needy teams like the Raiders and Bengals, ensuring KC snagged their prize.
Jaylon Moore, signed for two years at $30 million, brings versatility—likely shifting to guard or right tackle with Banks anchoring left. Thuney’s exit stung, but Banks’ polish—zero sacks allowed in 2024 (PFF)—promises an instant upgrade.
Tampa Bay, rebuilding post-7-10 flop, cashed in. “Picks fuel our future,” a Bucs source said. Their haul bolsters a draft targeting QB and CB depth. Kansas City’s nine remaining picks, including Day 2 ammo from a Patriots swap, keep Veach flexible.
The Chiefs’ left tackle saga—plagued since Eric Fisher’s 2013 draft—ends here. Banks, 22, isn’t a stopgap; he’s a decade-long anchor. Mahomes grins wider—his fortress just got stronger.
