🏈 Josh Simmons is giving the Kansas City Chiefs a reason to feel optimistic as he enters one of the most important seasons of his young career.
The Chiefs invested heavily in Simmons when they selected him with the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, believing they may have landed a first-round steal.
At one point, the left tackle had been viewed as a possible top-10 pick.
But a torn patellar tendon caused his draft stock to slide, giving Kansas City the chance to grab him at the end of the first round.
Now, after an injury-hit rookie year, Simmons appears determined to prove why the Chiefs believed in him.
💪 Kansas City opened mandatory minicamp this week, and Simmons immediately drew attention for his physical shape.
Asked about looking stronger and leaner, Simmons kept his answer simple.
He said it was the result of working out every day and trying to build more strength.
For the Chiefs, that is exactly what they wanted to hear.
Unlike last offseason, when Simmons was still working his way back from a major knee injury, this year has allowed him to focus more on football, conditioning and strength.
That could make a major difference heading into training camp.
⚡ Simmons also explained that his previous injury experience helped him handle another setback last season.
The rookie left tackle suffered a wrist injury late in the year, which forced him to miss the final five games.
But after already recovering from a torn patellar tendon, Simmons said he knew how to manage the process.
“It was a challenge, but I’ve been injured before, so I know what to do,” he said.
That mindset matters for a young player whose biggest concern is not talent — it is availability.
🔥 When Simmons was on the field last season, he showed real promise.
He played in eight games and impressed against difficult pass rushers, giving the Chiefs a glimpse of what he could become as Patrick Mahomes’ blindside protector.
But his rookie season was interrupted multiple times.
Along with the wrist injury, Simmons missed four games because of a personal family matter, the details of which were not publicly disclosed.
There has been no indication that the issue will affect his availability moving forward.
Now, the Chiefs are hoping for a cleaner, more stable second year.
🏋️ Simmons is still working toward his ideal playing weight.
He told reporters he is currently around 285 to 290 pounds, but wants to be closer to 300 pounds by the first snap of the regular season.
That goal is important.
Left tackle is one of the most physically demanding positions in football.
Simmons needs the foot speed to handle edge rushers, but also the size and power to hold up against stronger defenders.
Adding weight without losing movement could be a key part of his Year 2 development.
👀 The biggest difference for Simmons this offseason may be mental as much as physical.
He said he is no longer stuck in the training room and can now spend more time on the field and in the film room.
That is a major step.
For a young offensive lineman, reps matter.
Film matters.
Timing, technique and communication matter.
Simmons now has the chance to focus on becoming a better football player instead of simply trying to get healthy.
That could help accelerate his development in Andy Reid’s offense.
🏆 Reid has already made clear that he believes in Simmons’ talent.
Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs head coach said the key for Simmons is staying healthy and staying on the field.
Reid described his rookie year as “pretty good” and said Simmons did a nice job at left tackle when available.
He also predicted the young lineman could take another step forward.
According to Reid, Simmons has the confidence to compete against most players in the league and clearly has the skillset to succeed.
That is strong praise from a coach who understands how important the position is.
💔 Kansas City knows how much is riding on Simmons’ development.
The Chiefs are trying to protect Mahomes while rebuilding parts of their offense after a frustrating season.
If Simmons becomes a reliable long-term starter at left tackle, it changes everything.
It gives Mahomes stability.
It strengthens the offensive line.
And it allows the Chiefs to feel much better about one of the most valuable positions on the roster.
But if injuries continue to interrupt his career, Kansas City may be forced to keep searching for answers.
🚨 That is why this minicamp update matters.
Simmons looking stronger, speaking confidently and spending more time on the field are all positive signs.
But the real test will come later.
Training camp will show whether he can handle a full workload.
The preseason will show how sharp his technique looks.
And the regular season will reveal whether he can stay healthy against NFL pass rushers week after week.
For now, though, the early signs are encouraging.
🔥 Simmons has the tools to become one of the Chiefs’ biggest Year 2 breakout candidates.
He has first-round talent.
He has experience against real NFL competition.
He has already dealt with adversity.
And now he finally has a healthier offseason to build from.
The Chiefs do not need him to become perfect overnight.
They need him to become dependable.
They need him to take the next step.
And most importantly, they need him on the field.
🏈 If Josh Simmons can stay healthy, Kansas City may have found a long-term answer at left tackle.
His rookie year showed flashes.
His minicamp update brought optimism.
Now comes the challenge of turning potential into consistency.
For a Chiefs team still chasing its next championship run, Simmons’ health could become one of the most important storylines of the season.
