Chiefs Free Agent Pitch Lands Former $26 Million Steelers Guard to Left Guard

Published: May 17, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs are charging toward a third Super Bowl in four years, but their offensive line demands reinforcement at left guard. Enter James Daniels, a former $26.5 million guard, whose signing could anchor the position, sources told ESPN on May 17, 2025.

The Chiefs traded All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, leaving a glaring hole at left guard. Second-year tackle Kingsley Suamataia, projected to fill the role, struggled in 2024, allowing 15 pressures and earning a dismal 36.7 PFF pass-blocking grade in playoff action. Kansas City’s offensive line, ranked 12th in pass-blocking efficiency, needs a seasoned veteran to protect Patrick Mahomes, per NFL.com.

Arrowhead Pride’s John Dixon urges GM Brett Veach to target Daniels, a free-agent guard released by the Pittsburgh Steelers after a 2024 Achilles injury. “Daniels’ proven track record would fortify the Chiefs’ line alongside Creed Humphrey,” Dixon wrote.

Daniels, 28, was a standout before his injury, surrendering just 2 sacks in 285 pass-blocking snaps across 4 games for the Steelers in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. A former Chicago Bear with 76 career starts, Daniels excels in both pass protection and run support, complementing Isiah Pacheco’s rushing attack, per ESPN.

The Chiefs’ guard depth, including Mike Caliendo and rookie Hunter Nourzad, lacks Daniels’ experience. His 2023 PFF grade of 72.4 and ongoing recovery signal a return to form, offering stability to a line reeling from Thuney’s departure, per The Athletic.

Daniels’ market value, pegged at a $4-6 million one-year deal, fits Kansas City’s $11.7 million cap space, per Spotrac. His cost-effective contract aligns with Veach’s bold offseason moves, including signings of Kristian Fulton and Jaylon Moore.

Elite linemen are never in excess. The Chiefs’ top-10 offense fueled their 2024 AFC Championship run, and adding Daniels at left guard could ensure dominance against pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, per Yahoo Sports.

Veach’s win-now approach is clear. Signing Daniels would solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line, blending his veteran expertise with Humphrey’s excellence to pursue an AFC West title and beyond, per Arrowhead Addict.