KC Chiefs: Five interior defensive line options in free agency
By Jacob Milham
New York Jets: Folorunso Fatukasi
New York Jets defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi has been with the team through some tumultuous times. A 2018 sixth-round pick, Fatukasi has played for three different head coaches during his four-year rookie deal. Despite the constant coaching turnover and floundering Jets franchise, Fatukas’s defensive role has consistently grown.
2021 was Fatukasi’s best year to date, as he started 15 games for New York. He recorded 46 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits. Fatukasi has shown consistent growth in terms of statistical production. While he is not a premier pass-rusher, he does bring a needed run-stuffing ability to Kansas City.
The Chiefs rank in the league’s lower half for rushing yards allowed and rushing yards per attempt allowed. According to Pro Football Reference advanced statistics, Kansas City was the third-worst rushing defense in the league. While pass rushers make headlines and garner big contracts, run-stuffing defenders cannot be overlooked. Fatukasi is one such player.
Fatukasi (1 tech) steps with the offensive line. Good hand usage here as he gets the right hand on the OC then clubs the RG who is working at a hard flat angle to get in front of FF. Clubs the RG and chases down the RB who bounces the run pic.twitter.com/mtSMuAUja3
— Joe Blewett (@Joerb31) January 8, 2021
Fatukasi could be a great compliment to Chris Jones, in many defensive aspects. Jones excels as a pass-rusher, something that Fatukasi should and can grow into. But, his current strength is his game-wrecking run defense.
He will not come cheap, however. Fatukasi could command $8 million annually, a steep price for Kansas City right now. But, this move would come after several other moves, such as safety Tyrann Matthieu leaving and several personnel contract moves. Fatukasi would be the ideal fit for Kansas City, not considering the cost.