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The Kansas City Chiefs are adding another potential layer of protection for Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City is signing offensive tackle Kellen Diesch, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Thursday. Diesch becomes the latest spring football standout to receive an NFL opportunity after helping the Louisville Kings win the 2026 UFL championship.
The move comes after the Chiefs worked out Diesch and fellow tackle John Campbell amid a growing collection of injuries along their offensive line. Diesch will have little time to make an impression before final roster decisions. His experience, athletic profile and championship run nevertheless make him an intriguing late addition for a team seeking dependable depth around its franchise quarterback.
Chiefs need healthy offensive line around Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City’s offensive line has been depleted during the final stage of training camp. Starting left tackle Josh Simmons missed consecutive practices with a back issue, while backup tackle Matt Waletzko has been sidelined by a knee injury. Chu Godrick also missed practice, and star guard Trey Smith has battled a hip injury.
The #Chiefs are signing OL Kellen Diesch, another @TheUFL player to land on an NFL camp roster.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 20, 2026The timing creates additional concern because Kansas City will play its final two preseason games across a six-day stretch. The Chiefs visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday before hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 28. Diesch gives head coach Andy Reid another available tackle who can absorb snaps and compete for a reserve role.
The signing also reinforces Kansas City’s continued effort to protect Mahomes. Offensive line instability has created problems for the Chiefs at different points in recent seasons, making experienced depth especially valuable. Diesch has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game, but he has spent time inside several organizations and brings meaningful professional experience from the UFL.
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Who is new Chiefs tackle Kellen Diesch?
The 6-foot-7, 303-pound tackle began his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to Arizona State. Diesch started all 15 games during his final season with the Sun Devils and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors. Pro Football Focus graded him as the conference’s top tackle that year, according to his UFL biography.
He signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Diesch subsequently spent time with the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans. Unable to secure a regular-season NFL appearance, Diesch continued his career in the UFL.
He spent time with the Arlington Renegades and Memphis Showboats before joining the Houston Gamblers. Louisville signed him during the 2026 campaign, and he made two starts during the Kings’ championship season. That title run gave Diesch another opportunity to place current game film in front of NFL teams.
Kansas City now will determine whether his spring success can translate into a roster spot. Diesch must learn Reid’s offense quickly and show he can function against NFL pass rushers. His path will not be easy, especially once the Chiefs’ injured linemen return. Kansas City would not be bringing him into camp, however, if it did not believe he offered something worth evaluating.
At minimum, Diesch provides immediate depth during a demanding preseason finish. At best, the UFL champion could become another developmental blocker tasked with keeping the NFL’s most valuable quarterback upright.
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