The Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off another deep playoff run, but as they turn the page to the 2026 offseason, there’s a glaring issue that can’t be ignored any longer: the defensive line. For all their success, the Chiefs have struggled to generate consistent pressure with a four-man rush over the past two seasons. That has to change-and this offseason presents the perfect opportunity.
With a top-10 pick in hand and a few key decisions looming on veteran contracts, Kansas City is at a crossroads up front. Chris Jones, the anchor of the defensive line for nearly a decade, is turning 32. That’s not ancient by any means, but it does signal a need to start thinking about the future of the position group-and fast.
Let’s break down where things stand on the current roster, which free agents could be in play, and how the 2026 NFL Draft might offer a path forward.
Current Roster Decisions: Who’s Staying, Who’s on the Bubble
Start with what’s certain: Chris Jones and George Karlaftis are the headliners on the defensive line going into 2026. Karlaftis signed an extension before the 2025 season and has steadily developed into a reliable edge presence. Jones, meanwhile, remains one of the most disruptive interior linemen in football-when he’s on.
But here’s the tricky part. Jones carries a $29.3 million cap hit this season.
Trading him would save the team $15.6 million, but it’s not that simple. He’s still playing at an elite level-especially after the bye week last season, when he looked every bit the top-five defensive tackle he’s been for years.
Unless his play drops off significantly, it’s hard to justify moving on from a player who still commands that kind of attention from opposing offenses.
Mike Danna, on the other hand, is a more likely cap casualty. Releasing him would free up nearly $9 million, and his production simply hasn’t matched the price tag. Over the last two seasons, Danna has struggled to generate pressure, and the Chiefs can likely find a cheaper, younger option who brings similar traits to the table.
As for the younger guys, there’s still a lot of development needed. Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, a Day 2 pick last year, tore his ACL in Week 7 and is working his way back.
Defensive end Ashton Gillotte also came in through the draft but hasn’t shown enough to push for a starting role yet. Both could be useful depth pieces, but the Chiefs can’t count on either to be a breakout star just yet.
Then there’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah, a former first-round pick who’s yet to live up to that billing. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued his first three years, and 2026 feels like a make-or-break offseason for him. He’ll need to flash in camp to secure a roster spot.
Among the pending free agents, Charles Omenihu is the most notable name. He was a difference-maker before his ACL tear in the 2023 playoffs, but he hasn’t looked the same since. The Chiefs would love to get that production back, but it’s probably time to find someone else to fill that role.
Veteran defensive tackles Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi, and Jerry Tillery are also set to hit free agency. All three could return as rotational depth, but the Chiefs need more than just stopgaps.
They need impact players. That’s where free agency and the draft come into play.
Free Agent Targets: Youth, Versatility, and Value
This year’s free agent class along the defensive line isn’t loaded with stars, but there are a few intriguing names that fit the Chiefs’ usual approach. General manager Brett Veach has a history of targeting players in that 25-27 age range-guys who are just hitting their prime.
One name that checks a lot of boxes is John Franklin-Myers. He’s been a steady, versatile force across multiple systems, first with the Jets and more recently with the Broncos.
He’s not going to light up the stat sheet, but he does all the little things well-setting the edge, collapsing the pocket, eating up double teams. He can play both inside and outside, which makes him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Think of him as a more dynamic version of Omenihu, with the ability to hold up over the long haul.
Another potential target is Boye Mafe from Seattle. The Chiefs reportedly had interest in him at the trade deadline, and that could carry over into free agency.
Mafe brings speed and burst off the edge-something this unit desperately needs. He’s not a full-time starter yet, but in a rotational role, he could thrive.
If the Chargers don’t re-sign Odafe Oweh, he’d also be a strong fit. He’s young, athletic, and fits the mold of what Veach tends to look for in free agents. But that’s a big “if”-the Chargers would be wise to keep him in-house.
Draft Outlook: Time to Reload in the Trenches
With the ninth overall pick, the Chiefs are in a rare position. This isn’t a team used to drafting in the top 10, and it’s a golden opportunity to grab a long-term difference-maker on the defensive line.
There’s no shortage of talent in this class. On the edge, Reuben Bain Jr.
(Miami) and David Bailey (Texas Tech) are both high-upside players who could slide in opposite Karlaftis and eventually take over as the team’s premier pass rusher. Arvell Reese (Ohio State) offers more of a hybrid OLB/edge skillset, while Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) brings serious power and disruption from the interior.
At pick No. 40, there’s still value to be had. Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) and Akheem Mesidor (Miami) are names to watch. Caleb Banks (Florida) and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) also fit the mold of developmental players with high ceilings.
By the time the Chiefs are on the clock at No. 73, they’ll still have quality options. Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati) is a space-eater with real upside, and Dominique Orange (Iowa State) brings a similar skill set. R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) and Romello Height (Texas Tech) could be intriguing edge options who develop into rotational pieces or more.
Bottom line: the Chiefs need to use multiple picks on the defensive line. This isn’t a one-player fix. It’s about building depth, injecting youth, and setting up the next era of Kansas City’s defense.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs have built their dynasty on elite quarterback play, smart roster construction, and timely defensive performances. But to keep the Super Bowl window open, they need to get better up front-plain and simple.
Chris Jones won’t be around forever, and the supporting cast hasn’t done enough. Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or both, Kansas City has to invest in the trenches this offseason. Because if they can find a few more disruptors to pair with Jones and Karlaftis, this defense could go from good to downright scary.