Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer and publisher of Chiefs Digest. He joined Chiefs Digest in 2013 and became lead beat writer in 2016. He resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The reclamation of Kingsley Suamataia went public in last season’s Week 18 game at Denver, when the second-round rookie left tackle started at left guard, and immediately drew kudos from teammates and opponents alike. Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen, who earned second-team All-Pro honors last season, sought out Suamataia after the contest. “For playing guard my …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — First-round offensive tackle Josh Simmons has yet to take a snap in team periods during Kansas City’s offseason workouts, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says he’s getting closer. “He’s one that didn’t work this week, but he’s been doing everything up to that point,” Reid said after Thursday’s offseason practice. “He’s actually further ahead than …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Holidays, primetime games and an international contest punctuate the Chiefs’ 2025 schedule released by the NFL Wednesday evening, establishing the course Patrick Mahomes and company must navigate in their Super Bowl or bust bid. The schedule is dotted with highlights including a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — First-round draft pick Josh Simmons wasn’t sure how much he would participate in his first practice during the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp opening Saturday. It wasn’t a lot but it was more than some might have expected for a player just more than six months removed from surgery for a torn patellar tendon. “I’ll be getting my …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs made room for a 16-player class of undrafted free agents Saturday by releasing linebacker Blake Lynch and waiving defensive end B.J. Thompson, who is expected to revert to the club’s roster this weekend. Thompson went into cardiac arrest after suffering a seizure during a team meeting on June 6, 2024. He spent the season …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis will remain under contract to the Chiefs through the 2026 after the club, as expected, picked up the fifth-year option on their rookie contracts. McDuffie signed a 4-year contract worth $13.99 million in 2022 as the No. 21 selection in the first round of the NFL Draft. He’s …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs start the final day of the NFL Draft with five selections on Saturday with general manager Brett Veach looking to check off more items on his shopping list. Veach checked off the team’s top four needs during the first two days, picking up offensive tackle Josh Simmons, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, edge rusher Ashton …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — NFL owners are expected to consider a modified proposal at league meetings next month that would eliminate the “tushush,” and Chiefs Chairman/CEO Clark Hunt suggested he may support a more broadly written rule. “Going back 20-plus years, it used to be illegal to push an offensive player anywhere on the field, and so I think they …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former defensive tackle Bill Maas became the 54th member of the Chiefs Hall of Honor Friday evening. Club Chairman/CEO Clark Hunt announced the prize before the start of the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. “Bill embodied toughness and grit,” Hunt said. “He was a great teammate, and it’s clear since his playing days have …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After an official confab at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, a top-30 visit in Kansas City, and a series of virtual meetings culminating on Wednesday, the Chiefs finally found the player they hope will serve as the blindside protector for the prime years of Patrick Mahomes. Josh Simmons, the 6-foot-5, 317-pound offensive tackle from Ohio State, …
