The Kansas City Chiefs have made some major subtractions from the team that made it to the Super Bowl for the fifth time in six seasons, as they traded away starting All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and seem prepared to remake their defense amid the annual free agent frenzy.
With defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton now plying his trade with the Carolina Panthers after a massive free agency deal, Kansas City needs to beef up its defensive line depth. Brett Veach opted for a familiar face, signing Charles Omenihu to a short-term contract for yet another title push.
The Chiefs have agreed to terms with Omenihu on a one-year contract worth as much as $7 million in 2025. After largely being an ineffective player last season, Omenihu will need to get back to his old self if he wants to validate the trust and faith this organization has put in him.
The Chiefs are banking on defensive mastermind Steve Spagnuolo to milk every drop of talent out of Omenihu once again, despite some concerns about his ability to stay healthy and produce at a high level. Considering recent history, this isn't that bad of a bet to make.
Chiefs re-sign Charles Omenihu on one-year deal
Omenihu played in just six games last season, mustering just one sack as he recovered from an ACL injury suffered in the 2023 AFC Championship game. Before that injury, Omenihu, who was suspended for six games that season, was one of the more productive pass rushers on the team.
The former Texas star tallied seven sacks in 11 games, moving all around the defensive line and producing everywhere he lined up. By bringing him back, Kansas City is banking on their coaching staff being able to maximize his potential in the short-term without changing their draft strategy.
Even after losing Wharton to Carolina and Derrick Nnadi to the New York Jets, Kansas City will likely use many of their premium picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on offensive linemen that can protect Patrick Mahomes and some more pass-catchers to throw too. Omenihu playing well could be a welcome relief for this front office.
While far from a game-changing star, Omenihu went from a seldom-used journeyman to a reliable part of the Kansas City rotation. If Spagnuolo could work his magic again, Kansas City can go into 2025 feeling more than confident in the overall health of their defensive line.