Former Chiefs LT Bust Signs with Cincinnati Bengals

Kansas City, MO – April 19, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason took a stunning turn Friday as a former left tackle, once hailed as a potential line anchor, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, an AFC rival, sources confirmed to ESPN. The move, a one-year, $4 million deal with $1 million in incentives, delivers a blow to Chiefs fans still reeling from a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 31-year-old, acquired in November 2024 for one year at $2 million, was expected to stabilize a porous offensive line after Joe Thuney’s trade to the Bears. Instead, he faltered, starting six games with a 70.1 PFF grade and allowing two sacks (NFL.com). Hampered by a prior ACL tear, his lackluster stint drew fan ire, branding him a bust despite a 2021 Pro Bowl nod.

“He flopped here—Bengals can have him!”

Cincinnati, seeking depth after a 9-8 campaign, views the veteran as a swing tackle or right tackle competitor alongside Orlando Brown Jr., bolstering Joe Burrow’s protection (Spotrac). “His experience adds versatility,” a Bengals source said. The Chiefs, with $12.7 million in cap space, opted not to re-sign the unrestricted free agent, eyeing draft prospects like Josh Simmons (web ID: 1).

“Bengals snagged our bust? That stings!”

His 98 career starts offered hope, but Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris outplayed him in Kansas City (web ID: 4). “We needed more,” a Chiefs official admitted. X erupted: “He joins Cincy? Good luck, Burrow!”

The Bengals’ coup could haunt Arrowhead if the tackle rebounds. With Kansas City’s eight draft picks, including No. 31, GM Brett Veach must address the line to shield Patrick Mahomes. As the April 24 draft nears, this rival signing fuels a fiery AFC showdown in 2025.