Chiefs could target these free-agent defensive tackles to help Chris Jones

The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive line has historically been one of their best units over the last decade. But this offseason, they find themselves in a bit of a hole with several needs up front. Maybe the biggest hole on the Chiefs' defense in 2025 was at defensive tackle, specifically at the three-tech next to Chris Jones, where Derrick Nnadi, Jerry Tillery, and Mike Pennel rotated in. But that spot on the line was often targeted by power runs or left on an island in pass protection while teams doubled Chris Jones on the interior and picked apart the defense.

After losing rookie Omarr Norman-Lott to injury last season, the interior of the Chiefs' defensive line really started to fall apart. This offseason, adding another impactful three-tech defensive tackle should be Brett Veach's priority one, and he will have several chances to do so this offseason.

The value of a good defensive tackle has skyrocketed, and teams are hesitant to let good ones leave their organization. Because of this (and a somewhat thin draft class), the free-agent class for defensive linemen is quite thin. But still, the Chiefs will have chances to improve their defensive line, and there are a few cut candidates out there who would make an immediate impact in Kansas City.

$10+ Million: DaRon Payne (The Could-Be Available)

The Commanders' situation with DaRon Payne is an interesting one, as Adam Peters recently announced the team will keep him for the 2026 season. But he takes up almost $28 million on the Commanders' salary cap, and cutting him would free up almost $17 million. Several fans and analysts think this could be a ploy to entice teams to trade for Payne, a move that could also interest the Chiefs. Payne is an elite run defender and has made a living fighting through blocks on the interior, and if he is available, he would be a fabulous pickup for Kansas City.

$7-10 Million: David Onyemata (The Reclamation Project)

Once a premier free agent when he left the Saints in the 2023 offseason, Onyemata has taken a major step back with the Falcons. Onyemata signed with Atlanta, hoping for a more substantial role, but a change in scheme forced him to become a nose tackle, a position he had played sparingly before signing. He will now hit free agency again as a 33-year-old veteran but has still flashed the impressive athletic skills that earned him a deal in the first place. Kansas City could offer Onyemata a return to what he is best at, and next to Chris Jones, he could thrive once again.

$5-7 Million: Tim Settle (The Versatile Utility)

Settle heads into the ninth year of his NFL career, once again looking to cash in one year removed from a five-sack season. Throughout Settle's eight years in the NFL, he has played on some of the league's best defensive lines, including (in order) the Commanders, Bills, and Texans. During that time, Settle has proven he is the perfect utility man and can plug and play on any even-front defense. If the Chiefs are confident in Omarr Norman-Lott or want to build through the draft, Settle is the perfect mid-priced depth piece.

$3-4 Million: Sheldon Rankins (The High-Value Vet)

Rankins is on his way to becoming a 10-year NFL veteran who has made his living as an even-front three-tech defensive tackle. After being the 12th overall pick and spending five years with the Saints, Rankins has bounced around, playing for the Jets, Texans, and Bengals over the last four years. He is just two years removed from a six-sack season and has consistently proven himself to be a valuable rotation lineman across the league. Rankins should be relatively inexpensive this offseason, and the Chiefs could get him on a high-value deal.

Re-sign: Jerry Tillery (The Familiar Face)

Another former first-round pick, Tillery played a major role on the Chiefs' defense this season, often serving as the second defensive tackle next to Chris Jones. Kansas City's options at DT were thin as the season went on, but Tillery almost always felt like their best option, and when he was on the field he was impactful. If he does return to the Chiefs this offseason, Tillery will have to accept a slightly smaller role as the team looks to upgrade on the interior. But if he is willing to slot in as the Chiefs' third defensive tackle, he would be a valuable player to retain.