Latest news with #Kansas City
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7 hours ago
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1 Thing Stopping Chiefs' 'Explosive Element' Returning
1 Thing Stopping Chiefs' 'Explosive Element' Returning originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Kansas City Chiefs will begin the 2025 season with more questions than answers surrounding their roster, with the offensive line at the center of the discussion. Advertisement With Jaylon Moore, Josh Simmons, and Kingsley Suamataia all set to try their hand on the left side of the line, Patrick Mahomes' protection is going to feel a whole lot different than it did last is a good thing. There has been talk all throughout OTAs and minicamp that the Chiefs want to get their deep ball back in the offense, but that can only happen if Mahomes has time to throw. So, for CBS Sports, in naming the most important non-quarterback for the Chiefs, the publication has landed on Moore and Simmons. "The Chiefs offensive line fell apart last year," CBS Sports writes. "They signed Moore to provide insurance at left tackle and had Simmons fall into their lap in the draft. They badly need one of them to play well enough that Patrick Mahomes isn't constantly looking over his shoulder, and can finally tap into the explosive element of the offense the team has been missing over the last two years." Advertisement Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Given how easily accessible Mahomes was to the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive front in the Super Bowl, naturally, every other team will look at that blueprint and try to replicate it in 2025. Hence why the need for either Moore or Simmons to solidify that left tackle spot is crucial, so too Suamataia who is being shifted inside to left guard. Training camp will be our first look at the new protection, and while we won't be jumping to any conclusions, it will give a good indication of what we could expect in the regular season. Many are doubting the Chiefs this season, with the offensive line issues being the big reason why, and the only way to ease those fears is for the unit to play well with real bullets flying. Advertisement If the Chiefs are to avenge the Super Bowl loss, the offensive line is going to have to pull its weight. If it does, Kansas City will be in business, but if it can't, then who knows what the 2025 season will look like for the defending AFC champs. Related: Chiefs' 'Margin For Error' In AFC West Gone In 2025 Related: Patrick Mahomes Turns Heads With Reaction to Chiefs' Latest Signing This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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a day ago
- Business
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Jackson County Executive Frank White pitches Gov. Kehoe adjusted approach to sales tax extension
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. wrote a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe last week, proposing that the county renew its 3/8-cent sales tax. The sales tax was originally approved by voters in 2006 to fund improvements to Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. If renewed, the sales tax would focus on the following three priorities: Modernizing and improving Arrowhead Stadium Restoring and upgrading public safety infrastructure Investing in public health Kansas City man arrested, charged after high-speed boat chase at Lake of the Ozarks 'With the passage of Senate Bill 3, Missouri now has a powerful tool to play a significant role in attracting and retaining professional sports teams—most notably the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals,' White wrote in the letter. Not only would the sales tax go toward modernizing and improving Arrowhead Stadium, White said it would also help the county invest in public health, as well as restore and upgrade the county's public safety infrastructure. Funds from the sales tax would also go toward modernizing the county's juvenile detention facility, according to White. 'The impact of these improvements will be felt well beyond county lines,' White wrote. In the letter, White also addressed the controversy surrounding the Royals' potential relocation: 'I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County. Since the April 2024 vote, the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I've respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I've made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the city's efforts and is willing to step back in should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.' Kauffman Stadium, which currently benefits from the 3/8-cent sales tax, would not be included as a beneficiary of the renewed sales tax, according to White's letter. White released the following statement Monday afternoon: 'First, it's important to remember that these teams are for-profit, multi-billion dollar businesses. They're always going to look for the best deal for themselves and I can't blame them for that. But my job isn't to work for the teams; my job is to get the best deal for the people of Jackson County. 'Out of respect for the City of Kansas City's publicly stated desire to take the lead in conversations with the Royals, much of our engagement has focused on the Chiefs. At the same time, we remain open to discussions with all parties to ensure Jackson County's interests are fully represented. 'Last and most importantly, Jackson County taxpayers have long carried the overwhelming share of public funding for these teams, historically providing more than 90% of the investment, which currently amounts to over $50 million every year. As we look ahead, our priority is to ensure any new agreement is fair, transparent and reflects the significant commitment our residents continue to make.' The Jackson County executive said he believes this proposal could generate between $500 million and $700 million. He said it offers a clear path to retain the Chiefs, protect taxpayers and deliver long-term public benefit. White also proposed that the sales tax be presented to voters as one ballot question instead of three. He said this would clarify that the renewed tax may be used for more than one related purpose. White also asked the governor to confirm with the director of the Department of Economic Development and the commissioner of the Office of Administration that the sales tax meets the requirements stipulated in Senate Bill 3. The 3/8-cent sales tax is currently set to expire in 2031, which is when the Chiefs' and Royals' leases end. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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a day ago
- Business
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Frank White prepared to back Chiefs stadium tax — but under these conditions
Frank White sent Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe a letter signaling his preparedness to support a sales tax earmarked for a renovated Arrowhead Stadium. But it comes with significant caveats. White, the Jackson County executive, wrote to Kehoe last week that he would back a 3/8th-cent sales tax extension in the county — but with only one-third of it reserved for an Arrowhead Stadium makeover. In a letter obtained by The Star through an open records request, White lays out a plan to reserve one-third of the tax to upgrade the downtown Jackson County courthouse and the juvenile rehabilitation facility; one-third for capital improvements at University Health, county-owned hospitals in Kansas City; and one-third for upgrades and maintenance for Arrowhead stadium. 'This approach represents exactly the kind of balanced, responsible investment the moment calls for,' White wrote in the letter. A Kehoe spokesperson did not indicate whether the Republican governor supported White's plan in an email to The Star, but she emphasized that local support was necessary for the teams. 'Governor Kehoe appreciates the willingness of Jackson County Executive Frank White to explore options for local investment to keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri,' said spokesperson Gabby Picard, who also pointed to issues with Jackson County tax assessments, adding Kehoe 'also believes Jackson County residents deserve certainty for fair and reasonable property tax assessments, which is a critical piece to any Jackson County solution.' The Chiefs declined comment on the letter. But a three-way split is likely a non-starter in any negotiations with the Chiefs, who possess something today they didn't two years ago when their talks with White commenced: Options. The Chiefs are not only pursuing a renovated stadium at the Truman Sports Complex, but they continue to explore the possibility of building a new stadium across the state line. Both Missouri and Kansas have passed competing stadium-incentives packages, and the Chiefs recently successfully persuaded Kansas to extend the deadline for its funding package. The Missouri bill passed last month not only encourages but requires a local source of funding — which is the significance of the letter. While it's long been known the stadium tax measures White does not support, his writing to Kehoe offers the first behind-the-curtain peek of the brand of ballot measure he would promote. 'Governor, I'm aware that some have tried to suggest that I'm opposed to any level of public funding for these teams. That's just not true,' White wrote. 'What I am opposed to is continuing the status quo for another generation.' White's office confirmed the letter but declined further comment. White is facing a recall election, possibly as soon as next month. The Royals are not a party to his proposal to Kehoe. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and his office has been a more active party in the talks with the Royals on proposed sites in Jackson County, most recently Washington Square Park, which is located north of Crown Center and east of Union Station. White says the county is 'ready to support the city's efforts and is willing to step back in should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.' If the Royals elects to pursue their original vision of downtown baseball — over options in Kansas or Clay County — that stadium is unlikely to be county-owned. At least one top Missouri lawmaker has suggested that the Royals moving to Clay County would take off 'half the pressure on Jackson County.' Chiefs team president Mark Donovan has consistently said that if the NFL team stays at Arrowhead Stadium, its local funding source would come through the county — which owns the stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex, where the teams are tied through a lease that expires in 2031. For two years, though, White and the Chiefs (and Royals, for that matter) have failed to reach an agreement on what taxpayer support beyond 2031 would entail. White vetoed a combined Chiefs and Royals measure to put a sales tax extension on the ballot before the county legislature overrode him and put the item in front of voters. They rejected it, 58-42%. The Chiefs are unlikely to return to the voters with anything other than a tax reserved for one thing and one thing only. They are adamant about dislodging any confusion from a future ballot question. A three-way chop would also, quite obviously, secure the team less money. For White, that's the idea. For the Chiefs, that would almost certainly be a sticking point, even after they have secured a path toward a significant contribution from the state. The Chiefs and Royals have long split the 3/8th-cent sales tax evenly, but they have separated their stadium plans moving forward — and any future ask of the voters would therefore be separate, too. That's purposeful in the aftermath of last year's rejection at the ballot box. In response to a question from The Star, Donovan said last week the Chiefs would likely target an April 2026 vote if they stay in the county. They estimate a renovated Arrowhead Stadium would cost north of $1 billion. But it's not yet clear what kind of tax they will seek absent sharing it with the Royals. White's request is that other county parties get a cut — 'generational investments in public health and public safety,' he called the proposed tax support for the courthouse, juvenile facility and hospitals. White and the Chiefs reengaged in talks after last year's vote failed, but they have not discussed the matter recently. Instead, Donovan said last week he talked to the county legislature, a signal of the team's potential plans to once again try to gather enough support from the nine-member committee to put the item on the ballot, rather than an avenue through White. In his letter to Kehoe, White sought an amendment to the Missouri sales tax statue to allow for the three-way split for the 3/8th-cent sales tax extension. The state's General Assembly would have to pass that amendment before a vote. The Star's Kacen Bayless contributed to this report.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
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Chiefs' Xavier Worthy Opens Up On Offensive Scheme Change
Chiefs' Xavier Worthy Opens Up On Offensive Scheme Change originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy knows that as he enters Year 2, more is going to be expected of him in Andy Reid's offense. Advertisement After ending his rookie season in superb form (157 yards, two touchdowns in the Super Bowl loss), Worthy and the offense will look to hit the ground running at training camp with Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown now back in the fold. Having not been the explosive unit we had come to know under Patrick Mahomes in the last few seasons, it appears there is a desire to return to that style of offense. And when speaking on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, Worthy revealed a message that Reid told the group after an OTA practice. "Coach Reid told us during OTAs Phase 1, 'When you come back, get your hamstrings ready,' " Worthy said. "So, we kind of knew that we were going to be going a little deep during practice. We kind of got our bodies and our minds ready for what we're going to be doing in practice." Advertisement Chiefs wide receivers Skyy Moore (24), Xavier Worthy (1)© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Chiefs attempted to incorporate the deep ball into their offense last season, but with Rice going down for the year in Week 4 and Marquise Brown not being seen until Week 16, they lost two genuine weapons to injury. Now, with both back healthy, along with an improved Worthy, Mahomes has three weapons who can stretch the field, plus Travis Kelce and Noah Gray underneath. Granted, having the deep ball back is a good idea, but the offensive line has to protect good enough to allow the routes to develop, something it didn't do last season with Mahomes sacked 47 times (including playoffs) which was a career-high. Advertisement Now, the Chiefs will try again to get one of their best weapons up and running, and if the unit can get the deep ball working regularly, it opens up a lot for the offense. So, Xavier, get those hamstrings ready. Related: Chiefs' 'Margin For Error' In AFC West Gone In 2025 Related: Chiefs Urged To Sign Veteran Competition for Camp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
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Chiefs summer scouting: Clemson Tigers offensive line
This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs took steps to trim costs and position their offensive line for a makeover. Adding Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons to a weak offensive tackle room raised the unit's floor, but the Chiefs should still consider pursuing more depth through the 2026 NFL draft. Clemson Tigers left tackle Tristan Leigh, right tackle Blake Miller and guard Collin Sadler form the most formidable trio on the program's offensive line. Walker Parks, who enters 2025 with more than 2,800 career offensive snaps, might also get some looks as a late Day 3 draft pick, but most analysts view him as a future undrafted free agent. Miller began starting for the Tigers as a freshman in 2022. With three seasons and nearly 2,900 snaps under his belt, he's one of the most experienced offensive tackles in the 2026 class. Miller is undersized, lacking traditional mass for a right tackle, but his footspeed, patience and range mitigate some of those concerns. Advertisement Miller needs to play with better posture to avoid overextending and losing his balance. He reportedly added weight this offseason, which could quiet some concerns about the power of his anchor. Miller currently projects as a top 100 selection. Leigh offers more traditional size than Miller. This additional power manifests in a stouter anchor and arresting grip strength to lock down outside linebackers. Leigh moves well in space, cutting off wide-alignment rushers at the top of the arc in the passing game or pulling for gap runs. Unfortunately, Leigh's chest often extends over his knees, causing balance concerns as he attempts to mirror pass rushers. This issue also impacts Leigh's run blocking. He finds himself on the ground too often and puts some ugly losses on tape. This may be a permanent issue for Leigh since he didn't correct it in either of his two seasons as a starter. He projects as a fifth round pick. Sadler suffered a season-ending calf injury early in 2024 that limited him to fewer than 100 offensive snaps at left guard. The subsequent surgery sidetracked his development, but Sadler's potential remains one of the most attractive draws along Clemson's offensive line. Advertisement Sadler needs to add some mass to his lower body to improve his anchor in pass protection and the strength of his leg drive in the run game. He also must correct his strike timing and hand placement to protect his chest. These two developments aren't difficult with proper coaching and a good strength and conditioning program. Sadler's block framing, burst off the line of scrimmage, nimble footwork, speed and impressive 6'6", 310 lb. build make him an intriguing development project. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft scouting report: Clemson Tigers offensive line
