Let’s Argue: Letting Joe Thuney go will cost Chiefs the AFC West

Our Mark Gunnels takes on all your hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions.

In our “Let’s Argue” series, our Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.

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Letting Joe Thuney go may cost the Chiefs the AFC West.

There is no denying how great a loss Joe Thuney will be.

When the 32-year-old decides to hang it up, I believe he will eventually find his way to Canton, Ohio. He’s a four-time All-Pro to go along with four Super Bowl rings.

With all of that being said, the Chiefs are still the overwhelming favorite to win the division for the 10th consecutive season.

Mahomes won’t be able to be Mahomes without better protection.

As mentioned above, the Chiefs will have to deal with losing Thuney.

Nonetheless, the thinking from general manager Brett Veach and the company is that if they improve the left tackle position, that could unlock the vertical passing game.

Also, Patrick Mahomes will have the best collection of pass catchers of his career, when you think about a cast that includes Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown.

Fans were robbed of seeing all those guys on the field simultaneously due to injury. For as unfair as it may be, the play of Jaylon Moore will go a long way in how this offense operates next season.

The Chiefs need to add a better running back to the room.

When looking at the depth chart, it may seem as though the running back room is crowded. To a certain extent, it is with the likes of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt back in the fold.

The Chiefs lost Samaje Perine, but they replaced him with Elijah Mitchell.

However, all the aforementioned backs are set to become free agents in 2026. And with this draft class being one of the most stacked in recent memory, I’d be shocked if Veach doesn’t prioritize selecting one with one of his first four picks.

The Chiefs will take a step back this year.

This is one of those strange things — because if you’re saying losing in the AFC Championship Game is a step back, then sure.

In this line of thinking, the only way for the Chiefs to take a step forward would be by winning the Super Bowl.

From a broader view, I do find it interesting that none of the heavy hitters in the AFC made a splashy move this offseason. The Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals all just returned their guys for the most part.

The floor for the Chiefs is making the AFC Championship — and it remains that way until proven otherwise.