The Kansas City Chiefs finalize prep for their Aug. 2025 preseason opener. See how Andy Reid and Trey Smith are preparing the team for a new season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The long wait is nearly over, Chiefs Kingdom. After weeks of grinding under the St. Joseph sun, the Kansas City Chiefs are finally turning the page from intra-squad battles to their first real test of 2025. The air on Thursday was thick with anticipation as the team put the final touches on preparations for their preseason opener, the first taste of on-field action since Super Bowl LIX. For fans and players alike, it's time to see what this new-look roster is truly made of.
You win in this league up front. Securing a warrior like Trey Smith for the long haul isn't just a move for this season, it's how you build a dynasty.
Head Coach Andy Reid and his coordinators made one thing clear this week: they are ready to hit someone in a different-colored jersey. 'You get to a point in camp where the guys are just chomping at the bit for live competition,' Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy told reporters. That sentiment was echoed on the defensive side, where Steve Spagnuolo is eager to see his new personnel evaluated in live-game scenarios. After weeks of installing plays and running drills, the preseason opener represents the first true measuring stick for the 2025 squad.
Perhaps the biggest news heading into the preseason was the Chiefs locking down right guard Trey Smith with a four-year contract extension. This is a massive move for the franchise. Securing a cornerstone of the interior offensive line ensures that Patrick Mahomes will have his 'Mauler' protecting him for years to come. In a league where protecting the quarterback is paramount, investing in a proven, physical presence like Smith is a championship-level decision that provides stability and sends a clear message about the team's priorities.
While the veterans are tuning up, the real drama of camp is on the roster bubble. The wide receiver room remains a hotbed of competition. Rashee Rice has reportedly become a favorite target for Patrick Mahomes, solidifying his role, while rookie UDFA Elijhah Badger from Florida is turning heads and making a strong case. This intensity comes on the heels of the team waiving Justyn Ross, a tough reminder of how competitive these spots are. Meanwhile, rookies like OT Josh Simmons and DE Ashton Gillotte are battling to prove they belong, with every preseason snap being a critical part of their audition.
Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is using this preseason as a crucial evaluation period, particularly at the safety position. With new faces in the secondary, Spags emphasized the need to see how they communicate and react in a live setting. This is also a key opportunity for draft picks like DT Omarr Norman-Lott and DE Ashton Gillotte to carve out roles. Spagnuolo's defenses are known for their complexity and aggression, and these preseason games will reveal which of the new additions can handle the pressure and earn his trust.
All eyes now turn to the preseason opener. This isn't just an exhibition; it's the first chapter of the Chiefs' 2025 story. Who will seize the opportunity? Which rookie will make a name for themselves? And how will the team look in its first real action since hoisting the Lombardi? The grind of camp is over. The quest for another title begins now.
