The 2026 NFL season is just around the corner, and the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs have made an interesting move before the campaign gets underway.
New York is sending offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to Kansas City in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, sparking reactions from fans of both teams, who didn’t exactly see this move coming.
Giants, Chiefs Fans React as Joshua Ezeudu Gets Traded to Kansas City
New York selected Ezeudu with the 67th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started 10 games at guard and tackle between 2022 and 2024, but he spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve.
Ezeudu spent much of the summer working at right tackle before moving back inside to guard. However, he missed New York’s last two practices after suffering a leg injury during Saturday’s preseason game with the Miami Dolphins, which the Giants won 26-3.
Ezeudu’s trade to the Chiefs is interesting because it marks the second offensive lineman the Giants have moved in the past week. New York previously sent guard Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Ezeudu’s departure prompted several reactions from Giants fans and members of the team’s media community.
“This might be the most random trade of all time. Good deal for the Giants, though. Once again getting an asset for a playing that was likely getting cut. Better to get something than nothing,” Fireside Giants’ host Anthony Rivardo wrote.
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This might be the most random trade of all time. Good deal for the Giants though. Once again getting an asset for a playing that was likely getting cut. Better to get something than nothing. https://t.co/uLOpA3BAXy
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) August 26, 2026
“Just a tad surprised because Ezeudu actually looked solid at guard this summer. [Expletive] that he got hurt recently. But hey, at least they’re getting picks for players they don’t want to hold onto anymore, something the previous staff didn’t do,” one said.
“WHOA. I thought Josh was slated for that RG2 spot. (Evan) Neal must be impressing. Giants are moving different than they have in the past. Moving players for any type of picks,” a fan said.
Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor also showed his support for Ezeudu.
“Straight BALLER wish nothing but the best for my brother!!” he wrote.
Straight BALLER wish nothing but the best for my brother!! 🤞🏽 https://t.co/CxA4PtCYST
— Jermaine Eluemunor (@JEluemunor) August 26, 2026
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For Kansas City, Ezeudu’s move addresses a depth concern that has lingered along the interior of the offensive line. The Chiefs have been looking for more reliable depth behind left guard Kingsley Suamataia and right guard Trey Smith.
Before acquiring Ezeudu, Mike Caliendo was the only interior backup with significant experience, while Kahlil Benson had been viewed as the team’s top backup lineman when the preseason began.
The Chiefs’ move immediately generated excitement among their fan base.
“Woah!!!!” Chief Concerns page tweeted.
Woah!!!! https://t.co/qWymOjTn8N
— Chief Concerns (@ConcernsChief) August 26, 2026
“Nothing to do with timing. At least not as it relates to Smith and/or (Josh) Simmons. This is a Caliendo move most likely; outside chance it’s a Benson move(attempt to stash him). Jaylon (Moore) was always going to be the starting RT,” Arrowhead Live wrote.
Ezeudu brings versatility to Kansas City after spending much of his NFL career at tackle despite playing primarily at guard in college. At North Carolina, he appeared in 36 games and made 28 starts, including 20 at left guard, six at left tackle and two at right tackle.
