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Chiefs Trade for Joshua Ezeudu, Boosting Offensive Line Depth

8/26/2026

Summary

Chiefs Acquire Ezeudu

The Kansas City Chiefs traded a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New York Giants for guard Joshua Ezeudu.
Ezeudu, 26, played 33 games with ten starts for the Giants after being drafted No. 67 in 2022.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said the acquisition adds offensive-line depth before the preseason finale on Aug. 30.
Ezeudu signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal after the league year began in March.

Summary

Chiefs Tackle Woes

Chiefs lost 16-15 to Buccaneers in second preseason game, exposing right-tackle concerns.
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson allowed pressure and a strip-sack, prompting role reassessment.
Veteran right tackle Jaylon Moore underperformed, leaving the position without a clear starter.
Edge rusher Ashton Gilotte suffered a torn plantar fascia, casting doubt on his regular-season availability.
Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice missed many preseason snaps due to injuries, limiting evaluation.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s 1995 expansion draft on February 15, 1995 gave the new Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers immediate rosters—Jaguars chose 31 players, Panthers 35—forcing veteran teams to swap draft picks for depth. Decades later, the Kansas City Chiefs again traded a draft selection for veteran guard Joshua Ezeudu to address a right-tackle gap, echoing those early-era roster-building trades.

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Chiefs Acquire Ezeudu

The Kansas City Chiefs traded a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New York Giants for guard Joshua Ezeudu.
Ezeudu, 26, played 33 games with ten starts for the Giants after being drafted No. 67 in 2022.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said the acquisition adds offensive-line depth before the preseason finale on Aug. 30.
Ezeudu signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal after the league year began in March.

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