Exploring the Chiefs’ options for the defensive line this offseason
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 17: Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu (90) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) in warm up before a game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs on December 17, 2023, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesAt the top of the Kansas City Chiefs agenda this offseason should be rehauling the defensive line. The Chiefs have had one of the worst four-man pass rushes over the past two seasons. Additionally, the team must make decisions on pending free agents who play up front on defense.
With defensive tackle Chris Jones turning 32 in 2026 and the Chiefs having a top-10 pick, this feels like the natural time to steer a certain direction with the defensive line.
So let's go through the current roster decisions on the defensive line, free agents to watch, and some draft prospects to consider.
Current Roster DecisionsBefore looking into players the Chiefs could add, it's important to know who's currently on the roster and who is set to hit the open market.
Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis are set to lead the group in 2026; Karlaftis signed an extension with the Chiefs leading into the 2025 season.
However, could the Chiefs consider trading Jones? Without vouching for it, here's the case: Kansas City would save $15.6 million trading Jones in 2026 while carrying a $29.3 million cap hit. The difficult part is finding proper value: teams would get Jones at a bargain cap hit, but he's going to be 32 years old in 2026.
There isn't much precedent for a defensive tackle of Jones's age being traded; an estimate of the cost would be a second-round pick on top of another asset.
That doesn't feel valuable enough compared to what Jones brings to the Chiefs' defense. He had a slow start to the season, but after the bye week, he was playing like a top-5 defensive tackle again. Until Jones starts showing a significant decline, he's too important to trade.
However, defensive end Mike Danna is expendable; his release would save the team $8.9 million against the cap. Danna has not been effective in getting pressure for two seasons. The front office can find a less-expensive player with a comparable skillset.
The Chiefs drafted two defensive linemen on Day 2: defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott - who tore his ACL in Week 7 - and defensive end Ashton Gillotte. Both should return as depth pieces, with the hope that one could emerge, but they should be considered reserves on the defensive line right now. Neither has shown enough flashes to be strongly considered a starter.
At defensive end, former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah is going to have to earn his roster spot. He rarely flashed in limited snaps over his first two years and was hurt all of his third season. He will have to shine this offseason to stick around.
Among pending free agents, defensive end Charles Omenihu is the most significant - but the Chiefs should not stress over re-signing him. Omenihu hasn't produced as much pressure since tearing his ACL in the 2023 playoffs. The Chiefs miss his impact, but those plays will need to be made by someone else moving forward.
Defensive tackles Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery are other pending free agents. All three could return as reliable depth, but the Chiefs need more talent in the defensive tackle room, so general manager Brett Veach should identify new players to fill at least one or two of these spots.
Free Agent OptionsThe free agency class of defensive line is not one to splurge on, with a lot of players past their prime. Veach prefers signing free agents ranging from ages 25-27; those options are limited.
If the Chiefs do decide to make a splash, one personal preference would be Denver Broncos' defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. He has been a glue player across multiple elite units and defensive fronts with the New York Jets and Broncos. Franklin-Myers isn't flashy, but he can truly play both on the edge and as a defensive tackle. He can play stout against the run and crush the pocket as a rusher from the end. He's better inside, where he has the strength and size to deal with double teams and is great at crushing a pocket. He's essentially a supercharged version of Omenihu, and he should age well due to his versatility.
The other free agent on the personal wish list is Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe. Reportedly, the Chiefs had interest in trading for Mafe at the deadline, so that interest could remain. Mafe is more of a rotational pass rusher, but his speed and juice are desperately needed in Kansas City.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Odafe Oweh perfectly fits the Veach timeline for free agents, but the Chargers should re-sign him. He would be an intriguing option if he is available.
NFL Draft OptionsThere is plenty of time to dive into these players individually, but the Chiefs should be looking at defensive linemen at all points in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team needs talent and depth at the same time, so using two or three picks on defensive linemen makes sense.
As of today, the smartest use of the ninth-overall pick is addressing the defensive line, in my opinion. It's a huge need for Kansas City, and it's a rare opportunity to establish a long-term pillar of the defense trenches next to the aging Jones.
Here is who I would consider at nine:
- DE Reuben Bain Jr., Miami
- DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
- OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
- DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
At 40, my favorite options are:
- DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
- DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
- DT Caleb Banks, Florida
- DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
At 73, my favorite options are:
- DE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
- DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
- DT Dominique Orange, Iowa State
- DE Romello Height, Texas Tech
The Chiefs' general draft strategy should be using multiple picks along the defensive line to add depth and talent to the room. It is desperately needed.