KC Chiefs: Free agent signings who make most sense

Emmanuel Ogbah, defensive end

There are a lot of pass rushing names being tossed around by members of Chiefs Kingdom these days, knowing that general manager Brett Veach is ready to rebuild the defensive front this offseason. It’s an exciting proposition given the success Veach had in remaking the team’s offensive line a year ago, which is why Chiefs fans are stoked to see what happens.

In the process of throwing around ideas, a lot of odd proposals are floated. The biggest names in free agency are considered, and major trades are explored. But in the end, given a variety of factors, one primary free agent pass rusher makes more sense than any other: Emmanuel Ogbah.

If that lacks the desired pizzazz that comes with a big signing, it’s likely because Ogbah is a well-traveled defensive end who has served a season with the Chiefs before. However, Ogbah makes more sense than anyone else on the open market for a number of reasons, and it’s why we think Veach’s free agent shopping starts here.

With Frank Clark likely out along the defensive line, the Chiefs need a veteran starter in short order and it cannot be sitting and waiting for Melvin Ingram to come back (who should be a rotational pass rusher anyway). The Chiefs need someone like Ogbah to come in and help anchor the new line from day one.

Consider this: Ogbah is already a familiar face who knows what Steve Spagnuolo asks of his pass rushers and he had solid success in that span. Before joining the Dolphins for the last two seasons, Ogbah’s career high was 5.5 sacks with Cleveland and he matched that total with the Chiefs in only 10 games (and 4 starts). The Dolphins gave Ogbah a full-time role and he’s rewarded them with consecutive 9 sack seasons, showing he can be consistent and reliable up front for someone.

Beyond that, Ogbah is also younger than several bigger names—think Von Miller, Chandler Jones, Ingram, Randy Gregory—and he’s remained healthy, which is how he’d differ from the likes of Zadarius Smith or Dante Fowler. And his price tag should be reasonable considering the bigger names are going to set the top of the market, while the deep rookie class in this year’s draft will keep the entire position humbled in their expectations.

If the Chiefs can mix an early edge pick with Ogbah to go with a re-signing of Ingram, the Chiefs could be looking solid once again with their pass rush with Mike Danna and Josh Kaindoh also returning from last season.