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Defensive line options for the Chiefs after losing Chris Jones

By Kelly Thompson

Defensive end Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with defensive end Chris Jones #95 (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Defensive end Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with defensive end Chris Jones #95 (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs greets defensive end Chris Jones #95 during pre-game introductions prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs greets defensive end Chris Jones #95 during pre-game introductions prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

With injuries along the defensive line piling up for the Kansas City Chiefs, we take a look at free agent linemen Brett Veach could bring in for a workout.

Following their 19-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ primary concern must be the injuries suffered over the last couple weeks.

On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Tyreek Hill appears nearing a return, while Sammy Watkins had a hamstring injury which sent him to the bench early in Week 5. Along the offensive front, Kansas City received the news that Andrew Wylie‘s ankle injury is not likely to sideline him more than a week or two, while starting left tackle Eric Fisher is (hopefully) nearing a return as well.

Along the defensive line, the news does not seem so forthcoming and, subsequently, appears more bleak. The Chiefs entered the contest against the Colts with starting defensive end Alex Okafor out due to a hip injury. By night’s end, the injury report also included their best defensive player, in defensive tackle Chris Jones, as well as mainstay Xavier Williams. The injuries forced rookie project Khalen Saunders in to extended playing time in the game. For a game won and lost in the trenches, the Chiefs are not in a good position.

This week, general manager Brett Veach will almost certainly starting turning over stones in free agency to look for linemen who can potentially help and add some depth and security. Of course, roster decisions will be impacted by the word of head coach Andy Reid and by the types of linemen preferred in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

While an option would be to look through the trade market, it would be a surprise to see Veach give up draft capital for a stopgap solution to a temporary problem. As a result, let’s take a look at free agent defensive linemen who might make sense for Kansas City to look at this week. Be aware, these are measures to provide depth—not to bring in a superstar while a guy is injured.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency