The Kansas City Chiefs picked Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to be their starting left tackle for many years. However, his time in Kansas City may end sooner than expected. Simmons is facing challenges related to his performance and personal conduct just two years into his NFL career.
At 23 years old, Simmons got into a disagreement with head coach Andy Reid before a recent game against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Reid, along with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, suggested Simmons leave a team meeting due to a dispute that arose over Simmons’ seating posture. Following this incident, Simmons was placed on injured reserve with a back issue.
“Simmons was sitting with his feet up in the offense’s meeting room when Reid asked him to put his feet down,” reported NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. “Simmons insisted he needed to sit that way due to discomfort in his back and hips.” Reid advised him to seek treatment if he was in pain, but the situation escalated until Mahomes supported Reid’s advice for Simmons to seek medical attention. Simmons eventually left the room but stayed in the building.
The incident highlights broader concerns about Simmons’ consistency and reliability. Since joining the NFL, he has missed 15 of 23 games due to various issues. Rapoport shared his view on ESPN, questioning whether Simmons will continue with the Chiefs.
“There are many questions about Josh Simmons, who is as skilled a left tackle as teams aim to find,” Rapoport told ESPN’s Peter Schrager. “His future with the Chiefs is uncertain. Protecting Patrick Mahomes remains paramount, and the team must trust the player fulfilling that role.”
In Simmons’ absence, Khalil Benson, an undrafted free agent, has taken over the starting left tackle position. Benson has performed impressively, allowing 16 pressures and eight hurries over 374 offensive snaps without surrendering a sack in six games, as per Pro Football Focus.
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