Chiefs free agency: Turk Wharton returns on one-year deal

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back Turk Wharton as a restricted free agent.

The Kansas City Chiefs unearthed a gem when they signed rookie free agent Turk Wharton a few years ago out of Missouri S&T. Three years later, he’s still providing production and depth up front on defense, which is why the Chiefs decided to bring him back on a one-year deal in free agency.

The Chiefs had a couple of impressive young players hitting the market as restricted free agents, including Wharton and punter Tommy Townsend, which made some of these decisions fairly easy to make.

Wharton was enjoying a nice performance in his third year as a pro in ’22 when he was lost for the season due to a torn ACL. He had 5 pressures and 4 quarterback hits in his first five games when his previous highs were 8 pressures in 17 games. Wharton has always been a versatile rotational player who can play inside and out and it was tough to see the Chiefs lose him in a pivotal year after only the first month.

Going forward, Wharton’s health will be a key factor for a team that also has Khalen Saunders, Brandon Williams, Derrick Nnadi, and Carlos Dunlap leaving potentially as free agents. Frank Clark was also cut earlier this offseason. This year will feature significant turnover across the line, but Wharton’s return helps provide depth with Mike Danna and George Karlaftis and Chris Jones along the line.

Wharton, who will be 25 years old in June, will earn $2 million on his one year deal.