Chiefs still aren't done fixing defensive tackle after Khyiris Tonga signing

One of the biggest priorities for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason was strengthening their defensive line, and that all starts on the interior. As we have seen with teams like the Eagles and Seahawks, having a well-rounded defensive line is incredibly important, and K.C. cannot rely on just one man to carry a defense. With Chris Jones, the Chiefs may have the best defensive tackle in the NFL, but even he cannot singlehandedly create plays for the defense.

Last season, Kansas City had some reliable edge rushers, including George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, and Ashton Gillotte. But the weak spot on the Kansas City defensive line was at 3-tech defensive tackle, right next to Chris Jones. When you have a weak point, especially on the defensive line, opposing offenses will exploit it, something that was especially apparent on third downs.

The Chiefs often run an even front, which consists of two 3-tech defensive linemen and two 5-tech defensive ends. They use their slot corner, linebackers, and defensive line twists to generate early pressure, but struggles from that second three-tech became apparent, especially on down-and-distance. When running their straight-up four-down defense, we often saw Chris Jones double-teamed, and despite the QB being contained in the pocket, the other defensive tackle struggled to consistently get to the QB.

In 2025, opposing teams converted on ~44 percent of third downs, ranking third-worst in the NFL. Quarterbacks had plenty of time to throw, and because of the struggles at defensive tackle, it often felt like even when Chris Jones would generate pressure, they could step right up into the pocket. The Chiefs allowed an opponent completion percentage of ~67 percent, which would rank fifth-worst in the NFL.

Nearly every Chiefs fan knew the Chiefs needed to make changes on the defensive line, but defensive tackle was the priority. Brett Veach made this obvious with his Day 1 free agency signing of Khyiris Tonga, a nose tackle who is coming off the best season of his career in New England. Now the question is: Are the Chiefs done adding defensive tackles? I think not.

Free agent DT options for the Chiefs

The Chiefs have already been active in free agency, and it is more than possible they continue to add defensive linemen. There are several talented defensive linemen left in free agency who could provide immediate depth for the Chiefs. But with limited funds remaining, would it be worth it for the Chiefs to target another free-agent defensive tackle over other glaring needs?

On the open market, several names catch the eye. Maybe the most intriguing of which is brand new to the market: A'Shawn Robinson, who was just released by the Panthers. Robinson was not let go due to a lack of talent; rather, the Panthers' big spending spree meant they needed cap space, and letting go of Robinson cleared over $10 million in cap space. He is a prolific run stopper who led all defensive tackles in total tackles last season and has 8 sacks in his last two years.

Other free-agent options the Chiefs will consider include D.J. Reader, Larry Ogunjobi, and the possibility of re-signing Jerry Tillery. But the real issue for the Chiefs comes down to how they want to prioritize spending this offseason. The team still has glaring needs at defensive end, wide receiver, and cornerback, and those positions need to be filled sooner rather than later.

What does the draft hold at defensive tackle?

I often say that good franchises patch the holes in free agency and use the draft as a luxury to find your best players. This has been true for the Chiefs in the past, as they built their dynasty with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and so many other "homegrown" players. Now the Chiefs have patched the hole at defensive tackle, but that does not mean they should neglect the need to draft one as well.

This year's draft class is somewhat thin at defensive tackle, and there are only six players whom I have graded in the top 100. This means that if the Chiefs want a defensive tackle in the draft, they have to get one early. Fortunately for them, Kansas City has four picks in the top 100, and picks 29 and 40 will be in prime territory to add an impactful defensive lineman.

Kansas City has already had a meeting with Caleb Banks, a freak athlete out of Florida, and he may very well be in play for them at pick nine. But if Kansas City gets Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, Lee Hunter, or Christen Miller with pick 29 or 40, that would be a major win in my book. Gracen Halton is also an intriguing option in the third round, but Brett Veach may be more inclined to force the issue early in the draft.

What can we expect the Chiefs to do

The Chiefs have limited cap space, and while Brett Veach has been a wizard at manipulating the salary cap, the team knows they have to be diligent with their money. I fully expect the Chiefs to spend some money elsewhere in free agency as they continue to look to patch holes prior to the draft. I think it is likely we see them target a larger defensive end and potentially a corner and a receiver before everything is all said and done.

Now, if there is money left on the table after that, or a player is willing to take a smaller contract, Veach may look to add some defensive line depth through free agency. But realistically, I think it is much more likely we see Kansas City stick with what they have until draft day, when they will try to come away with one of the top DTs in the class.

As a whole, fans should be happy with the moves the Chiefs have made this offseason, especially the addition of Tonga early in the cycle. If the Chiefs land someone like Peter Woods (my favorite DT in the class), they can roll into 2026 with Jones, Tonga, Woods, and Norman-Lott as their defensive tackles. That would be a major improvement at a position that desperately needed it, and the Chiefs would be in a great position up front going forward.