Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Kansas City Chiefs are well-positioned with few gaps in their roster. As the reigning Super Bowl champions prepare for another title run, general manager Brett Veach has ensured that both Andy Reid’s offense and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense are stocked with talent.
However, could Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen benefit from adding another player to the mix? After attending Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western State University, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated explored this possibility.
In his camp observations, Breer suggests that Kansas City’s next move might involve strengthening their pass rush. He notes the uncertain return timeline of defensive end Charles Omenihu, suggesting there’s a “void” that might need filling with an external acquisition.
“One area that a team with few issues might look at in the coming weeks is the pass rush,” Breer wrote. “Charles Omenihu, who tore his ACL in the AFC championship game, isn’t expected back until November. This leaves a gap opposite George Karlaftis that could be addressed—through a signing or trade—by some of the veteran edge rushers currently available. Additionally, the Chiefs may need to focus on contract extensions for some of their 2021 draftees like Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Nick Bolton. With Kansas City having drafted well in recent years, retaining everyone may prove challenging, but it’s a good problem to have.”
To replicate their 2023-24 defensive front success, the Chiefs will need plenty of support. Last season, the team ranked second in the NFL with 57 sacks and finished in the top 10 in pressure rate (31.6%). Spagnuolo’s defense, known for its occasional exotic blitzes, was anchored by the Karlaftis-Chris Jones duo. Omenihu and Mike Danna also played key roles.
The challenge at the start of this season is Omenihu’s absence from the field. For the second year in a row, he might miss a significant portion of the season. While he hinted at a “target set” earlier in the offseason, no official return date has been announced. Breer’s estimate of November seems realistic. If the Chiefs opt not to make a move, they will likely rely on second-year player Felix Anudike-Uzomah to step up.
Internal development within the defensive end group will be crucial. If progress isn’t quick enough, Veach could turn to free agency and consider players like Carl Lawson, Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Hollins, or even bring back Frank Clark. The drawback would be hoping that an external player can quickly adapt and still has enough in the tank to make a meaningful impact. In the writer’s view, a trade at this point seems unlikely.
Even with a strong pass-rush foundation in Jones, Karlaftis, and Danna, having more depth never hurts. Omenihu is expected to join them later in the season, but until then, whether the Chiefs can manage and see another player step up remains a key question as the season nears.