Chiefs fans woke up this week to a wave of concern that quickly spread across social media and group chats. Reports and videos from minicamp showed Kansas City’s young left tackle Josh Simmons looking noticeably slimmer and more defined than many expected. Reporters in the room described him as “more cut, more ripped,” even comparing the look to a fighter who had been training intensely. When Simmons was asked directly about his weight and his target playing weight, his answer only fueled the conversation. He revealed he is currently around 285 to 290 pounds and wants to be at 300 pounds when he takes his first snap of the regular season.
For a position that has historically been defined by size and mass, those numbers immediately triggered alarm bells for some fans. Left tackle is the most important spot on the offensive line for protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. In past eras, many elite tackles played well above 300 pounds, often carrying significant bulk to anchor against powerful defensive ends. The idea of a starting left tackle entering training camp in the high 280s felt light to some observers, especially when combined with the visual of a leaner, more athletic build. Social media lit up with questions and worries about whether Simmons had the necessary mass to hold up against NFL edge rushers week after week.
Yet the reaction from people who have actually played the position tells a very different story. Former NFL offensive lineman JD, who has direct experience blocking the same type of pass rushers Simmons will face, was far from concerned. He explained that the current weight is simply a byproduct of Simmons focusing on daily workouts and getting stronger rather than any intentional weight loss. JD noted that Simmons can easily add the necessary pounds by training camp through smart nutrition — things like oats, potatoes, and peanut butter — without losing the power and explosiveness he has already built. The key, according to the veteran, is not the scale number itself but whether Simmons maintains his strength, technique, and ability to stay low and drive defenders.
JD drew on his own playing career for perspective. He competed at around 270 to 272 pounds and never felt overmatched in pass protection because his strength and athleticism carried him. He referenced former teammate Kyle Turley, who dropped to a similar weight range while transitioning positions and remained effective once he added a bit of mass back. The common thread in both examples is that technique and power matter more than raw weight. If Simmons keeps his explosiveness and does not lose the ability to anchor or move defenders, the extra pounds will come naturally as his training shifts from high-volume workouts to heavier strength-focused sessions a few days a week.
The discussion also highlighted how the game itself has changed. Modern defensive ends are often lighter and faster than the bulky rushers of previous generations. Players like Maxx Crosby frequently play in the 255 to 260 pound range, relying on speed and bend rather than pure power. In that environment, a tackle who is leaner, more muscular, and more athletic can actually have an advantage. The old prototype of the 320-pound mauler is becoming less common because today’s edge defenders prioritize quickness and pass-rush production over run-stopping bulk. Simmons’ current build aligns with this evolution. He looks jacked and powerful in the weight room, which suggests he has not sacrificed strength for the leaner appearance.
Mitchell Schwartz, another respected voice with extensive NFL experience, echoed the same sentiment. He pushed back against the overreaction by comparing Simmons to a young Tyron Smith — a legendary left tackle who was notably lean and athletic early in his career. Schwartz argued that being jacked, lean, and free of excess weight is often preferable to carrying unnecessary bulk that can actually reduce athleticism and quickness. Extra weight sometimes works against a tackle if it slows him down or makes it harder to recover when beaten initially. The modern ideal favors functional strength and movement skills over sheer size.
Historical comparisons further illustrate the shift. Older generations of left tackles often faced much larger defensive ends who played in the 290 to 300-plus range. Legends like Willie Roaf or Jonathan Ogden were massive men who used their size to engulf rushers. Today’s game features quicker, more explosive edge players who win with speed and flexibility. A tackle who can stay low, keep his pad level down, and use his hands effectively does not need to be 320 pounds to succeed. Simmons’ reported athleticism, footwork, and competitiveness give him the tools to thrive at a playing weight in the low 300s, provided he continues to develop his power base.
The plan Simmons outlined is straightforward and realistic. He is currently in a phase of intense daily training that has produced the leaner look. Once training camp approaches, his routine will shift toward heavier lifting focused on strength a few days a week while increasing caloric intake. That combination typically allows players to add five to fifteen pounds of functional weight without losing explosiveness. JD emphasized that Simmons has already shown he can put in the work. The visual transformation reporters noticed is evidence of dedication, not a red flag. As long as he reaches or approaches 300 pounds by the time the season starts and maintains his strength, there is little reason for long-term concern.
Chiefs fans have every right to scrutinize the offensive line closely. Protecting Patrick Mahomes is the highest priority, and any perceived weakness at left tackle naturally creates anxiety. The position has been a point of emphasis in recent years, and Simmons represents a significant investment as a young starter. However, the expert voices closest to the realities of the position are consistently delivering the same message: the weight is manageable, the plan is sound, and the modern game rewards the exact attributes Simmons appears to be developing. Panic is understandable in the moment, but the evidence from players who have lived it suggests the concern may be overblown.
What matters most is not where Simmons sits on the scale today but where he is when the regular season begins and whether he can sustain that weight and strength through a full NFL schedule. Training camp will provide the first real test. If he shows up at or near 300 pounds with the same explosiveness and technique he has displayed so far, the narrative will shift quickly from worry to confidence. The Chiefs coaching staff and strength program have a track record of developing linemen, and Simmons has already demonstrated the work ethic required to make the necessary adjustments.
In the end, this offseason discussion reflects a broader evolution in how offensive line play is evaluated. Size still matters, but functional strength, athleticism, and technique have become equally important. Josh Simmons appears to be embracing that reality. He is getting stronger, staying lean, and following a clear plan to reach his target weight. For fans who have watched the position change over the past decade, the current situation looks far more like smart adaptation than a cause for panic. The Chiefs’ left tackle is putting in the work. The results on the field this fall will ultimately decide whether that work translates into elite protection for Patrick Mahomes.
