Kansas City Chiefs open 2025 training camp with a key battle for left tackle between Josh Simmons & Jaylon Moore to protect Patrick Mahomes. Rashee Rice returns.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The familiar heat of St. Joseph, Missouri, returned Tuesday, and with it, the Kansas City Chiefs. As the gates of Missouri Western State College opened for the first day of 2025 training camp, the mission was clear: redemption. Fresh off a Super Bowl loss, Coach Andy Reid's squad is back on the grind, but this year's journey starts with two massive storylines: a high-stakes competition for the starting left tackle spot and the complicated return of star receiver Rashee Rice.
We will proceed as normal. We'll rotate him in and see how he does.
The premier event of this training camp is undoubtedly the fight to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside. On one side, you have first-round pick Josh Simmons, the highly-touted prospect who fell in the draft due to a 2024 ACL tear. Now fully cleared, Simmons brings elite flexibility and football IQ to the table. On the other, veteran Jaylon Moore, fresh off signing a two-year, $30 million contract, provides a steady, powerful presence. Coach Reid confirmed the competition is wide open, stating Simmons is ready to go. While Simmons is still regaining his run-blocking power post-injury, his potential is undeniable, making this the must-watch battle of the summer.
While one battle rages on the field, another unfolds around Rashee Rice. The dynamic receiver is back from an LCL injury and participating fully in camp activities. However, he's also facing a looming NFL suspension after pleading guilty to felony charges this offseason. For now, Andy Reid is keeping things simple. 'We will proceed as normal,' he told reporters, confirming Rice will get his usual reps as the team monitors his health. Rice's presence is critical for an offense that noticeably sputtered after his injury last season, but the question of how long he'll be available remains the team's biggest unknown.
While questions surround some positions, the front office has locked down two cornerstones. Just before camp, the Chiefs secured defensive end George Karlaftis with a four-year, $93 million extension and guard Trey Smith with a massive $94 million deal. These extensions send a clear message: the team is committed to its core talent on both sides of the ball. The moves provide crucial stability and a significant morale boost as the team settles in for the long haul of the season.
With the contract extensions handled and the key battles defined, the overall mood in St. Joe is one of focused optimism. The first practice was open exclusively to season ticket members, who got the first glimpse of an offense featuring Mahomes, Isiah Pacheco, Travis Kelce, and rookie speedster Xavier Worthy. Reid emphasized the need for depth and competition at every spot, setting a tone of accountability from day one. The full camp schedule is out, and the grind is officially underway.
The first day is in the books, but the real work has just begun. The road back to the Super Bowl is paved with the sweat and competition of St. Joseph. All eyes will remain on the trenches, the health and status of key playmakers, and whether this team can channel last year's disappointment into this year's ultimate triumph. The quest for another Lombardi has officially started.
