The Chiefs have an extensive history of elite edge rushers, with the likes of Derrick Thomas, Tamba Hali, and Justin Houston all making their mark on the organization. Despite the team's history with incredible pass rushers, the Chiefs have struggled to draft and develop defensive ends over the last several years. Now, heading into 2026, questions are brewing from fans and analysts about the status of the Chiefs' edge rushers as we approach the offseason.
In 2025, the Chiefs struggled to rush the passer, finishing 23rd in the NFL in sacks, and only two players recorded five or more sacks. While the Chiefs may not have made the big move that many fans hoped to see this offseason, they hope changes around them will help boost their defensive ends’ production in 2026. So what can fans expect from Kansas City's defensive ends this season, and what will the offseason changes mean for the defense as a whole?
George Karlaftis
Once a first-round pick for the Chiefs in 2022, Karlaftis earned himself a significant extension with the Chiefs last offseason. Now, following a disappointing 2025 season, the Chiefs are hoping for a bounce-back from their top defensive end. Karlaftis has never been known as an elite pass rusher, but his consistency off the edge is what earned him a significant payday in Kansas City. Now, with major changes to the interior of the defensive line, the Chiefs are hoping to see improvement from Karlaftis this season.
Ashton Gillotte
One of my favorite breakout candidates for the Chiefs this year, Gillotte will have a major role for Kansas City in 2026. Last year, the Chiefs selected Gillotte with the 66th pick in the third round of the draft, and while he only had 1.5 sacks on the year, he showed promise. He is exactly the type of player Steve Spagnuolo loves to have at defensive end, with his big frame and physical ability to set the edge consistently. Gillotte will be in the conversation for a starting job this offseason and is someone whom I think will become the starting defensive end across from Karlaftis by the end of the year.
Some NFL teams get caught up in measurables & testing but the ones that just focus on taking good football players will like Louisville EDGE Ashton Gillotte (6023v, 269v, 32 ¼ arm, 8 5/8 hand). Former two-star recruit just understands how to setup and beat people. Checkout the… pic.twitter.com/k1ilY7jWio
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagyOU) October 12, 2024
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Another former first-round pick for the Chiefs, FAU was Kansas City's top draft pick in 2023. While many fans and analysts have been disappointed with the early part of FAU's career, the Chiefs' offseason moves make it clear they are confident he can be a contributor this year. After a tumultuous career filled with injuries and inconsistent playing time, Anudike-Uzomah will have a big opportunity in 2026 to prove he has what it takes to be a contributor in the NFL.
R Mason Thomas
Knowing they needed an explosive pass rusher this offseason, the Chiefs made a big swing, landing R Mason Thomas with the 40th overall pick in the 2026 draft. After a great junior campaign with Oklahoma in 2024, RMT shocked scouts by choosing to return to school for his senior year. But despite a dip in production, Thomas' ability to rush the passer off the edge caught the eye of the Chiefs, and he became a second-round pick. RMT is an undersized defensive end, but his explosiveness, bend, and hand usage will make him arguably the Chiefs' best pass rusher in Week 1.
R Mason Thomas was considerably better against Goosby than Cashius Howell
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 25, 2026
All pass rush reps, followed by run defense reps: https://t.co/Swo5UVNcbC pic.twitter.com/2K2acSNMW4
Ethan Downs
Following the 2025 draft, Downs was picked up by the Jaguars but was cut early in training camp, allowing the Chiefs to swoop in and sign him. After a strong four-year career with Oklahoma, Downs spent most of 2025 on the Kansas City practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in late December. Downs is the favorite to land on the Chiefs' practice squad again in 2026, but with injuries or a strong camp, he could force his way onto the 53-man roster.
Tyreke Smith
Once a fifth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks, Smith and Downs had similar timelines in Kansas City. Both players signed in August and were stashed on the practice squad until late December, when they were both promoted. Smith was a major recruit out of high school when he committed to Ohio State, but he has struggled to produce since. The Chiefs hope he can provide valuable depth again in 2026, likely starting the year on the practice squad again.
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