Andy Reid Warns Josh Simmons Against ‘Cheeseburger Weight’ as Tackle Eyes 300 Pounds

Earlier this week, Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons revealed that he currently weighs between 285 and 290 pounds and hopes to reach 300 pounds by the start of training camp. As Simmons continues his preparations to meet the goal, head coach Andy Reid wants him to focus on functional strength rather than simply adding pounds.

While the goal does reflect the physical demands of playing offensive tackle in the NFL, Reid emphasized that any weight gain should support Simmons’ athleticism and on-field performance. He noted that the player should not move towards “cheeseburger weight,” as an analogy to distinguish between adding mass through nutrition and strength training versus simply increasing body weight.

He’s extremely athletic, and he’s gifted that way, so he’s able to get away with some things because of that.

Andy Reid said

Although offensive tackles often weigh well over 300 pounds, Reid suggested Simmons’ effectiveness comes from more than his size. He praised the 6-foot-5 lineman’s strength, leverage, and mobility, noting that Simmons performed well last season despite being lighter than many players at his position.

He’s kind of a unique character because he’s not a real big guy. But he’s extremely strong and very athletic… He looked pretty good out here.

Reid added

Simmons weighed 317 pounds at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine before the Chiefs selected him in the first round. Since then, he has significantly reduced his weight while maintaining the athletic traits that made him a highly regarded prospect. Rather than insisting Simmons return to the 300-pound mark, Andy Reid indicated there is no fixed target if the offensive tackle continues to perform at a high level.

The Kansas City Chiefs keep on adding roster depth in the offensive tackle group

Much of the conversation surrounding Josh Simmons has centered on his playing weight ahead of the 2026 season. However, the Chiefs’ confidence in the young left tackle extends far beyond the number on the scale.

Recently, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Wanya Morris, one of the minor changes Brett Veach has made this offseason, to help the team return to its lost glory from a season before. The trade has solidified how Simmons will become an integral part of the offensive line. Barring an unexpected setback, the former first-round pick is firmly entrenched as the team’s starting left tackle after an encouraging, albeit injury-shortened, rookie campaign.

The move also underscores the organization’s belief that Simmons can remain a long-term fixture, protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. As a young player, Simmons can become a trusted partner for Mahomes, who signed a gigantic contract just a day ago.

On the opposite edge, veteran Jaylon Moore is expected to take over the starting right tackle role following Jawaan Taylor’s departure. Moore enters the final year of his contract after logging 427 offensive snaps in 2025.

Behind the starters, the Chiefs will rely on a relatively inexperienced group that includes Esa Pole, Ethan Driskell, Chukwuebuka “Jason” Godrick, Kahlil Benson, and Matt Waletzko. While several of those players have shown developmental promise, they haven’t shown that they can match Simmons’ combination of pedigree and projected upside.

For Kansas City, keeping Simmons healthy throughout the season may prove to be the biggest win of all as the franchise reshapes its offensive line for another Super Bowl pursuit. The Kansas City Chiefs’ dominant run in the AFC West came to an end last year, as the Denver Broncos won the division and the Los Angeles Chargers pushed the Chiefs to third place. It was a rare postseason miss for the Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs return to action on September 15, 2026, against rivals and 2025-26 Conference finalist Broncos. They will play three preseason games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks.

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