The Kansas City Chiefs are adding to Patrick Mahomes’ protection detail.
On Tuesday, the Chiefs sent a seventh-round pick to the New York Giants for guard Joshua Ezeudu, per multiple reports. Ezeudu, who was a third-round pick of the Giants in 2022, primarily played in a spot-start role with the Giants since being drafted.
Playing the majority of his snaps on the left side of the line, the move offers some insurance for the Chiefs and Mahomes. The passer has been faced with plenty of pressure in recent seasons, with the Chiefs offensive line getting reworked to add (and subtract) several linemen, including spending a first-round pick on Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Per Pro Football Focus, Ezeudu hasn’t allowed a pressure during the 2026 preseason across 45 pass-block snaps for the Giants. Preseason is the operating term, however: He last played in NFL regular-season action in 2024, suffering a calf injury during the 2025 preseason that landed him on Injured Reserve, ending his regular season before it began.
In two weeks of preseason action in 2025, Ezeudu allowed a single pressure across 60 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF. He played at both left tackle and left guard in that preseason.
Ezeudu re-signed with the Giants on a one-year deal in March, potentially signaling a solidified role with the team. But now he’s on the move.
With the low-cost price and Ezeudu’s general blocking troubles on Sundays during his career, this move should signal he’s effectively another depth option for the Chiefs.
Here are the details on the trade:
Joshua Ezeudu trade details
- Chiefs receive: OL Joshua Ezeudu
- Giants receive: 2028 seventh-round pick
With a 2028 seventh-round pick sent to the Giants, this move essentially signals that the offensive lineman was likely on the chopping block ahead of roster cuts.
Ezeudu, a 2022 third-round pick out of North Carolina, has played as a spot starter in regular-season action since his rookie season. He’s accounted for just 738 snaps, playing in a total of 33 games (10 starts) over four seasons in New York. He missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to injury.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs add Patrick Mahomes protection in low-risk trade with Giants
