Chiefs headlines for Tuesday, July 1
The latest
Rodgers had the very slight edge in passer rating and EPA per dropback, while Mahomes had the very slight edge in completion percentage and and slightly larger one in success rate. Rodgers limited interceptions better (including on a per-attempt basis), but Mahomes was better at avoiding sacks. Rodgers created explosives very slightly more often but Mahomes was slightly better at creating first downs and quite a bit better at converting on third downs.
Even their best individual seasons during these stretches (the two years they each won MVP) look remarkably similar.
Rodgers went 26-5 during 2011 and 2014, while Mahomes went 26-7 in 2018 and 2022. Mahomes threw for more yards (10,347 to 9,024) and touchdowns (91 to 83) but Rodgers threw fewer interceptions (11 to 24). Mahomes had the higher passing success rate (54.4% to 52.7%) but Rodgers had a slightly better first-down rate (41.8% to 41.4%). Rodgers averaged more yards per attempt (8.8 to 8.4) and had a better passer rating (117.2 to 109.3) but Mahomes did a better job of limiting sacks (4.1% to 5.9%) and created more explosives (10.9% to 10.6%). They were damn near even in just about every area.
One lingering question for every NFL team as the league’s summer break begins | The Athletic
Kansas City Chiefs
How will the Chiefs respond to the Eagles thumping them in the Super Bowl?
“Pretty devastating,” guard Mike Caliendo called February’s Super Bowl. Travis Kelce said he “failed” his teammates, then mulled retirement. Patrick Mahomes vowed it would haunt him for the rest of his career. The Chiefs were 60 minutes from history, vying to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three in a row. Then they were pummeled in New Orleans, so severely humbled that they were forced to face some hard questions about the leaks on their roster, starting with an offensive line that gave them no shot against the Eagles. The impetus was clear. The Chiefs could have as many as three new starters. How the offensive line jells — and performs — will be central to this team’s pursuit of a fourth title since 2020. — Zak Keefer
2014 NFL Redraft: Rebuilding the first round based on PFF grades and data | PFF
23. Kansas City Chiefs: G Andrew Norwell, Ohio State (Undrafted)
Original Pick: EDGE Dee Ford, Auburn
Norwell wasn’t quite as dominant as 2014 class counterparts Zack Martin and Joel Bitonio, but he was a quality guard in his own right.
Norwell was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017 after leading all guards with a 92.3 PFF pass-blocking grade. His 81.7 career PFF pass-blocking grade would’ve significantly helped the Chiefs had they drafted him, as they earned bottom-10 PFF pass-blocking grades in 2014 and 2015.
As part of this year’s enhanced experience, ESPN NFL insider and fantasy football expert Field Yates will headline a special happy hour session. Yates will share NFL insights and fantasy tips, followed by an interactive Q&A with guests inside the Chiefs Hall of Honor during the first hour of the event.
“The Arrowhead Events team is thrilled to bring back the popular Fantasy Football Draft Experience at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and provide an elevated event this year by adding one of the most respected national fantasy football voices with ESPN’s Field Yates participating,” said Chiefs Vice President of Arrowhead Events Jeremy Slavens. “We want to thank our friends at Tickets For Less for their support, and we’re looking forward to hosting fantasy football enthusiasts for this unique event at the home of the Chiefs.”
Around the NFL
Top 100 Players of 2025, Nos. 100-99: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey debuts | NFL.com
100 – Ladd McConkey
Los Angeles Chargers · WR
2024 stats: 16 games | 82 rec | 1,149 rec yds | 14.0 ypr | 7 rec TD | 2 fumbles
One year in the league, one appearance on the Top 100 list. McConkey was everything the Chargers could hope for and more as a rookie. He led the team in targets, receptions and yards, only getting stronger as the season progressed. The shoes left by the departed Keenan Allen as an always-open chain-mover fit remarkably well. Now, McConkey enters Year 2 as L.A.’s unquestioned WR1.
NFL Pro Insight for McConkey: McConkey had 50-plus receiving yards in each of his final 10 games of 2024. That is tied with Malik Nabers for the longest streak by any rookie since 1970.
Dolphins send Ramsey, Smith to Steelers for Fitzpatrick in trade | ESPN
The Miami Dolphins have traded three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a pick swap, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
As part of the trade, the Dolphins are sending a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Steelers and will receive a 2027 fifth-round pick back from Pittsburgh.
Ramsey will get a $1.5 million raise this season, bringing his 2025 compensation up to $26.6 million, sources told Schefter. The Steelers are taking on the bulk of Ramsey’s contract for this season, with the Dolphins paying $3 million, sources told Schefter. Smith will receive a one-year contract extension worth $12 million, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told Schefter.
In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride
Trey Smith contract projection: Kansas City Chiefs will likely reset the NFL’s guard market
Baseline numbers for a Trey Smith Chiefs’ contract
Smith is expected to come near or at the top of the guard market on his next contract, which the Chiefs made apparent by feeling comfortable enough to tag him with the $23.4 million salary for 2025.
Currently, the top salary for guards is held by Landon Dickerson, who signed a four-year, $84 million deal last offseason. The top overall compensation is Chris Lindstrom’s five-year, $102 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, while the top guaranteed money figure is $60 million on Quenton Nelson’s four-year, $80 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Those are all numbers to keep in mind for Smith, who is only entering his age-26 season.
A four or five-year deal could be the big question here. The Chiefs aren’t strangers to record-breaking contracts, topping the market last offseason with center Creed Humphrey’s four-year, $72 million deal.
While I don’t expect Smith to earn a long-term salary that matches his current franchise tag figure, he could very well top the numbers above on a record-setting deal.
Social media to make you think
There is really NO Mahomes vs Rodgers debate.
Mahomes has more rings.✅
Mahomes has more playoff wins.✅
Mahomes has more SB Rings.✅Through their first 112 games, Mahomes dominates the stat sheet too.
Just admit it, you LOVE to hate @PatrickMahomes because he owns you. pic.twitter.com/ZI608S7vhr
— All Chief’d Up! (@AllChiefdUp) June 28, 2025
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