The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a pivotal preseason competition to fill the left guard position following Joe Thuney’s departure. Mike Caliendo is among the frontrunners to win the role alongside Kingsley Suamataia, aiming to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the left of center Creed Humphrey. As the team navigates this transition, Caliendo’s potential as a starter has drawn increasing attention, with his development a crucial storyline in the Chiefs’ offensive line reshuffle.
Examining Mike Caliendo’s performance and overall value
Caliendo’s NFL career has been marked by steady growth despite some struggles. Last season, his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade as a lineman was 44.8 over 410 snaps, placing him 73rd among NFL guards. His performances showed flashes of promise, especially in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns during his first starts, but also revealed difficulty handling elite defensive pressure. The Chiefs’ offensive line faced significant challenges, such as the disappointing Super Bowl LIX effort against the Philadelphia Eagles, where multiple linemen—including Caliendo—were overwhelmed.
Nevertheless, these numbers don’t fully capture the context in which Caliendo has developed. The entire team struggled during that period, making it harder for any player to stand out positively. His resilience and ability to compete for the starting job despite these setbacks demonstrate an underappreciated aspect of his contribution.
How Mike Caliendo has progressed within the Chiefs organization
The story of Caliendo’s rise began when the Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent from Western Michigan in 2022. After starting on the practice squad, he earned his spot on the active roster in his rookie season, appearing in eight games. In his second year, he steadily increased his involvement, appearing in 17 games and starting three of them, mostly backing up key interior linemen.
His emergence allowed Kansas City to gradually phase out veteran guard Nick Allegretti in favor of this homegrown option. Beating out roster competition over three training camp cycles highlights Caliendo’s determination and consistent improvement. That head coach Andy Reid publicly names him as a strong candidate for the starting left guard role is a sign of trust and recognition within the team’s leadership.
Why Caliendo’s development matters beyond the stats
Though he might not yet be considered the long-term replacement for a perennial All-Pro like Thuney, Mike Caliendo’s journey offers a promising glimpse into the value of role players who defy expectations. His rise puts the spotlight on the importance of depth and internal player development for NFL teams striving to maintain competitiveness while managing salary cap pressures.
The comparison to other rookies from Western Michigan also frames Caliendo’s progress in a meaningful way. For example, despite the Chiefs selecting Skyy Moore in the second round of the same draft class, Caliendo has made a more substantial impact on the Chiefs’ depth chart to date. This contrast underscores how undrafted players can sometimes emerge as crucial contributors, even if they do not headline headlines or highlight reels.
Looking ahead to the Chiefs’ offensive line competition
As the Chiefs approach the 2024 season, the left guard battle between Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia will be a key storyline to watch during training camp and preseason games. Caliendo’s rise from an undrafted free agent to a legitimate contender highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL roster battles. His continued development could influence Kansas City’s offensive line stability and overall team performance in the coming season.
For the Chiefs, securing a reliable left guard is vital for protecting Patrick Mahomes and sustaining offensive success. Caliendo’s unexpected ascension keeps fans and analysts intrigued, as the outcome of this competition could shape the team’s offensive identity moving forward.