Chiefs add Patrick Mahomes protection in low-risk trade with Giants

The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered Patrick Mahomes' defensive shield through a trade with the New York Giants. On Tuesday, the Chiefs exchanged a seventh-round draft pick for guard Joshua Ezeudu, according to multiple sources. Ezeudu, drafted as a third-round pick by the Giants in 2022, primarily functioned as a spot starter in his tenure.

Playing primarily on the left side of the offensive line, this trade serves as a protective measure for both the Chiefs and Mahomes. The quarterback has frequently faced pressure in recent seasons, prompting the Chiefs to revamp their offensive line, which included a first-round pick on Ohio State's Josh Simmons in the 2025 NFL Draft.

According to Pro Football Focus, Ezeudu has not allowed a pressure in the 2026 preseason, having logged 45 pass-block snaps for the Giants. However, Ezeudu's last appearance in an NFL regular-season game was in 2024, when he sustained a calf injury during the 2025 preseason, causing him to be placed on Injured Reserve. In 2025, he participated in two preseason games, allowing a single pressure across 60 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.

Ezeudu re-signed with the Giants in March on a one-year deal, potentially indicating a stable position within the team. Despite this, he is now part of the trade. The trade involves Ezeudu for the Chiefs, who receive a 2028 seventh-round pick, indicating that Ezeudu might have been available for trade due to roster cuts. Ezeudu, a 2022 third-round pick from North Carolina, has logged 738 snaps over four seasons in New York, appearing in 33 games (10 starts). He missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.