5 Chiefs free agency targets who could rescue the pass rush

Defensive end is one of the hardest positions to get right in the NFL, and despite investing quite a bit into the position, the Chiefs once again will be looking for help this offseason. Kansas City will be losing Charles Omenihu to free agency, and Mike Danna, who was a cap casualty, will also head to free agency. The Chiefs have two first-round picks in their DE room already, and Ashton Gillotte really came on at the end of the year. Still, the Chiefs' DEs have struggled to produce consistently.

Reliable edge rushers are essential in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and the Chiefs will be looking for players they can put in the five-tech role who can consistently set the edge and impact the game. The Chiefs rely on their interior defensive linemen, such as Chris Jones, to generate pressure, while defensive ends keep everything contained and help against the run. This year's free-agent class for defensive linemen is better than most, and the Chiefs have plenty of opportunity to build up their defensive line.

$20 Million: Kwity Paye (The Power Play)

Coming out of Michigan in 2021, Paye was my highest-graded defensive end, and so far in his career, he has shown exactly why. At 6-3, 265 lbs., Paye is a powerful threat off the edge who brings size, strength, and discipline to the game in a way the Chiefs desperately need. He has had multiple eight-sack seasons in his NFL career and is an exceptional run defender with the versatility to shift inside as well. He has the potential to have a breakout year in Kansas City and would be worth every dollar of a major contract this offseason. (Kwity Paye is my player comparison for Rueben Bain Jr.)

$15 Million: Jaelen Phillips (The Risk/Reward)

Another former first-round pick from the 2021 class, Phillips looked like the best edge rusher in the class early in his career, stacking up 22 sacks over his first three seasons. But when disaster struck, and Phillips tore his Achilles tendon in 2024, his future became less certain. Phillips was traded to the Eagles and will now hit free agency for the first time in his career. The Chiefs will have to evaluate how healthy Phillips is, and if they are confident he can return to form, he could be worth a major contract.

$10 Million: Boye Mafe (The Third Time's a Charm)

The Chiefs and Mafe have been linked many times before, as the team was reported to be interested in him in the 2022 draft, as well as the past two trade deadlines. There was even a rumor that K.C. had a deal with Seattle worked out, only to see the Seahawks decide against it at the last minute in November. Now, the Chiefs will have another shot to get Mafe, but on the open market as he becomes a free agent for the first time in his career. In 2023, Mafe logged nine sacks (the most in a season of anyone on this list), and at 6-4, 260 lbs., he is a great fit in the Chiefs' defense going forward.

$7 Million: Kingsley Enagbare (The Hidden Gem)

At the very top of the "my guys" list in the 2022 NFL Draft sat Kingsley Enagbare out of South Carolina. The explosive 6'4/260-pound defensive end logged seven sacks in each of his final three seasons with the Gamecocks and proved to be one of the most talented players in the draft. But despite this, he fell to the fifth round, where he was picked up by the Packers and has become one of the best depth DEs in the NFL. Now in free agency, he is poised for a breakout year and has the potential to be a major steal for the Chiefs.

$5 Million: AJ Epenesa (The Reliable Veteran)

Coming out of Iowa in 2020, AJ Epenesa was widely seen as a can't-miss prospect, but after some poor testing and struggling at the combine, he fell out of the top 50. With the Bills, Epenesa had three consecutive seasons with six or more sacks from 2022–2024. At 6'6/260, Epenesa has plenty of size, and while some teams have concerns about his athletic ability or scheme fit, he would fit right into the Chiefs' defense. If the Chiefs are hoping to buy low on a 27-year-old reliable defensive end, look no further than Epenesa.