Kansas City, MO – May 16, 2025 – The Kansas City Chiefs have finalized a deal with their 2025 first-round pick, offensive tackle Josh Simmons, signing him to a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $14,675,353, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The agreement, reported as surprisingly low for a No. 32 overall pick, underscores the team’s savvy financial strategy as they bolster their offensive line.
Simmons, selected after a trade-down with the Philadelphia Eagles, was a steal at the end of the first round. Projected as a top-15 talent before a season-ending knee injury in October 2024, the Ohio State left tackle brings elite athleticism and pass-protection skills. “Josh would’ve been a higher pick if not for the injury,” coach Andy Reid said, noting his potential to anchor Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
The contract’s $14.6 million value, confirmed by Spotrac, is notably modest compared to other first-rounders, such as No. 12 pick Tyler Booker ($22.5 million) or No. 6 pick Ashton Jeanty ($35.8 million). Analysts attribute the lower figure to Simmons’ injury concerns, which dropped him to No. 32, and the NFL’s slotted rookie wage scale, which limits negotiation.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach praised Simmons’ fit, calling him “a phenomenal athlete” with a skill set akin to Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw. The deal’s affordability allows Kansas City to maintain cap flexibility, especially after Jawaan Taylor’s $6.7 million pay cut freed up space to pursue targets like edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. “We trust our medical staff,” Veach said, citing head trainer Rick Burkholder’s optimism about Simmons’ recovery.
Simmons, who allowed just one hurry in 158 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 before his injury, is already participating in rookie camp, impressing new offensive assistant Will Shields. His flexibility and footwork align with Reid’s zone-blocking scheme, though he may back up free-agent signee Jaylon Moore until fully healthy. Chiefs Kingdom buzzed on X, with fans lauding the cost-effective signing.
The Chiefs’ 2025 draft class, including Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, and Jalen Royals, addresses critical needs after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss exposed their offensive line. With a 9-2 start in 2025, Kansas City sees Simmons as a long-term solution at left tackle, potentially saving millions compared to veteran contracts while securing Mahomes’ protection.
This bargain deal, finalized on May 5, positions the Chiefs to chase a Super Bowl LX title without breaking the bank. As Simmons rehabs his knee, his progress in OTAs alongside Nick Chubb’s tryout will be closely watched, with fans hopeful he’ll emerge as the franchise left tackle Kansas City has long sought.
