The Chiefs and Ravens are expected to make a trade that would bring a replacement for Joe Thuney to Kansas City

The NFL is a league driven by strategy, and no team embodies this more than the Kansas City Chiefs. Under head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach, the Chiefs have built a roster that thrives on dynamic offense, solid defense, and shrewd management of player personnel. Yet even the most successful franchises face challenges—roster turnover, injuries, and salary cap considerations. For the Chiefs, one such challenge is replacing a key player on the offensive line: Joe Thuney.

Joe Thuney was signed by the Chiefs in 2021 to help solidify their offensive line, which had been a major weakness during their Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thuney, a versatile and reliable guard, was expected to provide both stability and leadership. However, after several years of excellent service, Thuney’s age and declining performance have created a gap on the line that the Chiefs need to fill. This brings us to the idea of a trade between the Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens—an intriguing potential move that could bring a new player to Kansas City, one who can step into the void left by Thuney.

Why the Chiefs Need a Replacement for Joe Thuney

Joe Thuney, though still a competent player, is no longer in his prime. In the NFL, where the speed of the game is ever-increasing, the ability to protect your quarterback—especially one as valuable as Patrick Mahomes—becomes even more critical. Thuney’s struggles in recent seasons, particularly in key moments, have made it clear that the Chiefs need to explore options for the future. His decline is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, where even the most consistent players have to be replaced at some point.

With the Chiefs aiming to maximize Mahomes’ career and protect their substantial investment in their franchise quarterback, an upgrade to the offensive line is necessary. A new face at guard could provide the protection Mahomes needs, allowing the Chiefs to maintain their high-powered offense while keeping their franchise signal-caller upright.

In this context, the Ravens could offer a potential solution. Baltimore has long been known for its strong defense and solid offensive line play, but with their own needs on both sides of the ball, a trade involving a key offensive lineman might make sense for both teams.

Why the Ravens Would Be Willing to Trade a Key Offensive Lineman

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a season in which they made strides to solidify their defense and improve their offensive attack, particularly by focusing on their running game and developing quarterback Lamar Jackson’s passing ability. However, like every team in the NFL, they have their own needs, and the offensive line is an area that may require attention as they move forward. Trading away a player who is a starting offensive lineman may seem counterintuitive, but if the right deal is on the table, the Ravens could make a move that strengthens their overall roster.

Baltimore’s offensive line has been a mixed bag in recent years, with injuries and inconsistencies preventing them from becoming one of the league’s elite units. By moving one of their linemen, especially if they can acquire a high draft pick or another asset to improve their defense, running game, or receiving corps, the Ravens might be able to balance their roster more effectively.

Additionally, with the Ravens’ emphasis on run-blocking schemes, a trade could make sense if they feel they have depth at offensive line or if they are looking to restructure their financial situation. Given that the Ravens have had success with developing talent from within, they may feel confident in their ability to replace a key lineman through the draft or by giving their younger players more playing time.

The Potential Players Involved in the Trade

For a trade between the Chiefs and Ravens to happen, it would likely revolve around an established player on the Ravens’ roster who could step into a starting role in Kansas City. Several candidates come to mind, particularly those who are either at a crossroads with the Ravens or who could benefit from a change of scenery.

1. Ben Powers (Guard)

Ben Powers, the Ravens’ starting left guard, is an intriguing possibility. Powers has been a solid performer for the Ravens, though he may not have reached the elite status that some other linemen in the league have. However, he brings a combination of power and versatility that would be a good fit for the Chiefs. At 27 years old, Powers is in the prime of his career and could slot in immediately to replace Thuney. The Chiefs would benefit from his run-blocking ability, as well as his proficiency in pass protection—two elements essential to keeping Mahomes safe.

Powers’ contract situation could also make him an appealing trade target for the Chiefs. If the Ravens were looking to free up cap space for other moves, moving Powers could be a way to do so while still getting value in return.

2. Kevin Zeitler (Guard)

Another potential player involved in the trade could be Kevin Zeitler, the veteran guard who spent several years with the New York Giants before signing with the Ravens in 2021. Zeitler has been one of the most reliable and consistent guards in the NFL, and his experience would bring immediate value to a Chiefs offensive line looking to solidify its protection for Mahomes.

At 34 years old, Zeitler is on the tail end of his career, but he’s still playing at a high level. The Ravens might see Zeitler as a candidate to move on from, especially if they are looking to inject younger talent into their line. Zeitler’s leadership and experience would be beneficial for a team like the Chiefs, especially in a playoff push.

3. Tyre Phillips (Tackle/Guard)

For the Ravens, trading away a younger player with more potential might be a consideration as well. Tyre Phillips, who has played both tackle and guard for the Ravens, could be a player the Chiefs target as a versatile replacement for Thuney. While Phillips has been a bit of a project, his size (6’5”, 330 pounds) and ability to play multiple positions make him an intriguing option. If the Chiefs see something in Phillips’ development and think he could thrive in their system, this could be a solid trade for both teams.

Trade Compensation and Impact

In terms of compensation, the trade would likely involve a combination of players and draft picks. The Chiefs would probably need to offer a draft pick—potentially a second- or third-round pick—to sweeten the deal, given that the Ravens would be giving up a starting player.

On the Ravens’ side, trading a key offensive lineman would likely require securing either a high draft pick or a younger player with upside in return. Given the Chiefs’ need to continue building around Mahomes, it’s likely that they would give up a draft pick in order to ensure they get the right player in return. The Ravens could use this pick to further bolster their defense or add depth at key positions.

The trade would have significant implications for both teams:

1. Kansas City Chiefs’ Impact:
   • Offensive Line Stability: The primary benefit to the Chiefs would be an upgrade in offensive line play, particularly in protecting Mahomes.
   • Championship Window: With Mahomes in the prime of his career, the Chiefs are looking to maximize their Super Bowl window. A solid offensive line is critical to that goal.
   • Financial Flexibility: If the trade involves acquiring a younger player, it could free up some cap space in the future to make additional moves.
2. Baltimore Ravens’ Impact:
   • Cap Relief and Flexibility: Moving a veteran player could give the Ravens more financial room to maneuver in free agency or to address other roster needs.
   • Development of Younger Players: The Ravens have done well developing talent through the draft. Moving a veteran could allow them to invest more heavily in younger offensive linemen.
   • Defensive Improvements: The Ravens could use the trade assets to further bolster their defense, which has been a strength but could use more playmakers in the secondary or linebacker corps.

A trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens to replace Joe Thuney could be a win-win for both teams. The Chiefs would benefit from adding a key offensive lineman to protect Patrick Mahomes, while the Ravens would gain financial flexibility and assets to address their own needs. The potential players involved in the trade, including Ben Powers, Kevin Zeitler, or Tyre Phillips, could all contribute to the Chiefs’ offensive line and keep their Super Bowl aspirations intact.

As the NFL continues to evolve and teams constantly seek ways to improve, trades like these are a reminder that building a championship contender is not just about acquiring star players but also about making strategic moves that strengthen weaknesses at the right time. This trade, while hypothetical, represents the kind of shrewd, forward-thinking approach that has become synonymous with both the Chiefs and the Ravens under their current leadership.