ANDY REID CONFIRMS JOSH SIMMONS GAINED WEIGHT IN OFFSEASON

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that offensive tackle Josh Simmons has gained weight during the offseason to better protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Reid made the statement after training camp practice on 6 August. "He put on weight in the offseason. He's been able to maintain it," Reid said. "I think it'll help him, not that he couldn't do it at the other weight, but this gives him a little bit more lead in his pants, and that pays off for you."

Simmons weighed 317 pounds at last year's Scouting Combine before the Chiefs drafted him in the first round, but he dropped to approximately 285 pounds during his rookie season. In June, Simmons said he aimed to reach 300 pounds before Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Reid had previously cautioned in June that the weight gain should not be "cheeseburger weight". Simmons declined to disclose his exact current weight but said his condition is "definitely where it needs to be".

Simmons missed considerable playing time during his first NFL season and spent last offseason rehabilitating a knee injury sustained in 2024. The Chiefs intend for him to play a full season protecting Mahomes' blind side in 2026. Reid stated that the added weight will help Simmons maintain better pocket presence and block edge rushers more effectively.