The Kansas City Chiefs, renowned for their impressive NFL record, have made a surprising move by officially signing Josh Simmons, a former player from San Diego State and Ohio State. This decision not only marks the beginning of Simmons’ professional career but also brings hope for strengthening the Chiefs’ offensive line, which has struggled to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Josh Simmons’ Journey to the NFL
Josh Simmons, a talented offensive lineman, was selected by the Chiefs as the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Sports Illustrated, Simmons signed a four-year contract worth $14.675 million, with half of the amount as a signing bonus. Notably, as a first-round pick, Simmons has the option for a fifth-year contract extension, a privilege reserved for players selected in this round.
Born in San Diego, Simmons had a remarkable journey before joining the Chiefs. He played at Madison High School for three seasons before transferring to Helix High School for his senior year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 fall football season in California was postponed to the spring, preventing Simmons from playing for Helix. Instead, he focused on preparing for his college career.
Simmons initially committed to Oregon for over two months in 2020 before ultimately choosing San Diego State in January 2021. There, he redshirted his freshman season (sitting out to preserve a year of eligibility) and then became a key starter at right tackle during his redshirt freshman year, starting all 13 games for the Aztecs. After that season, Simmons transferred to Ohio State via the transfer portal. At Ohio State, he took on the role of left tackle and quickly became a standout in the eyes of NFL scouts.
However, Simmons’ journey wasn’t without challenges. In the 2024 season, he suffered a serious knee injury during the sixth game against Oregon, ending his season prematurely. Despite this setback, Simmons’ talent and potential convinced the Chiefs to invest in him.
Why Did the Chiefs Choose Simmons?
The Kansas City Chiefs, with 10 consecutive playoff appearances and three Super Bowl titles during that span, are facing issues with their offensive line, particularly in protecting Patrick Mahomes. The offensive line has struggled to block opposing pass rushers, leaving Mahomes under frequent pressure. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 317 pounds, Simmons is expected to bring stability to the left tackle position, a critical role in safeguarding the quarterback.
Signing Simmons is not only a strategic move to bolster the offensive line but also a notable reunion with another former San Diego State player, Matt Araiza. Araiza, a former All-American and Ray Guy Award winner, is currently the Chiefs’ punter, averaging 48.8 yards per punt in the past season. The presence of two former Aztecs in the Chiefs’ roster is a point of pride for San Diego State fans.
Simmons’ Future with the Chiefs
Despite his knee injury, Simmons is highly regarded for his technique, physicality, and versatility. He is expected to quickly adapt and become a vital part of the Chiefs’ strategy. With the guidance of head coach Andy Reid and support from experienced teammates, Simmons has the opportunity to develop into one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen.
The signing of Simmons also underscores the Chiefs’ commitment to building a formidable roster capable of contending for Super Bowl titles in the coming years. Fans of both the Chiefs and San Diego State will undoubtedly follow Simmons’ progress closely, hoping he shines in the team’s red-and-gold uniform.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs’ signing of Josh Simmons is not only a turning point in the young player’s career but also a strategic move to enhance the team’s strength. With his proven talent at San Diego State and Ohio State, Simmons promises to bring fresh energy to the Chiefs’ offensive line. Fans are eagerly awaiting the moment Simmons steps onto the field and proves his worth in the world’s most competitive football league.