This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs were laser-focused on completely rebuilding the offensive front, but general manager Brett Veach saved enough attention and dollars to also think about the defensive front as well. At defensive end, the Chiefs were ready to watch a few faces change, but as the preseason draws closer, it might actually make sense to bring one of them back in Alex Okafor.
Earlier this offseason, Okafor, Taco Charlton, and Tanoh Kpassagnon hit free agency when the new league year began. The Chiefs decided to bring back Charlton on another one-year flyer in hopes that he can stay healthy, but Kpassagnon took a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. Five months later, Okafor is still waiting for his next team after two seasons in K.C.
Why would a reunion make sense? Okafor would be a known commodity for a Chiefs team who could fill in immediately in case there are issues with Frank Clark being able to play in Week 1. It’s very possible that he faces a suspension for recent weapons charges, which would leave the Chiefs thin on the edges when the early season schedule is the most difficult overall.
A reunion with defensive end Alex Okafor could make sense for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs can hope for instant impact from fourth-round pick Joshua Kaindoh and for a greater leap forward from Tim Ward. They might get solid production from Charlton after all, and Chris Jones can also kick outside if the experimentation feels solid in the preseason. But injuries happen, fatigue sets in, and the season is long. It’s hard to believe that another move isn’t coming in K.C.
There’s time for the Chiefs to make that change to the roster if they want, but Okafor could give them a familiar face who could provide meaningful reps, if healthy himself, in Week 1. It might not be the most exciting move for the fan base, but at this point, it’s about stabilizing and securing the position through tenuous times.