KC Chiefs might’ve missed the boat on the free agent edge rusher market, but Brett Veach could just be playing the long game

The Kansas City Chiefs might be waiting to a specific date to sign a free agent edge rusher.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders outside linebacker Von Miller (24) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

It appears the Kansas City Chiefs missed their opportunity to vastly improve their edge rush during the 2026 NFL free agency period, but really, they could just be biding their time.

Eight players — Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Jaelan Phillips, Kwity Paye, Joseph Ossai, Dre’Mont Jones, and Bradley Chubb — signed multi-year contracts as unrestricted free agents. If you take a look at those multi-year contracts, it’s understandable why Kansas City didn’t get involved. The deals being handed out make the four-year $88 million contract extension that George Karlaftis got a year ago look like a total steal.

That’s not to say there aren’t still options out there for Kansas City. One of the best remaining options might be acquiring Vikings DE Jonathan Greenard in a trade, but everything we’ve seen from the Chiefs suggests the price might be far too high. You’ve got to trade draft capital and then give him a new contract.

So, what’s Brett Veach’s plan to improve this position group at this stage? Let’s talk it through

The Chiefs could simply be taking a different approach with an expensive position group

I’d wager that the Chiefs are no longer in a hurry to land an edge rusher in free agency at this particular juncture. They could take a look at D.J. Wonnum or A.J. Epenesa or try adding a player who missed time with an injury, like Samson Ebukam, but there’s no denying the free agent class has been picked through. Most of the best players have signed with new teams. Missing out on the majority of the free agent class means the Chiefs can bide their time, scour the trade market, or see if someone happens to shake loose from their team as a surprise cut. It also means they can simply wait out veteran players, even if it might not be Brett Veach’s M.O. to sign players over 30.

Most of the remaining players on the market that the team might have some level of interest in are vets who aren’t in a rush to sign deals. They’re holding out for the best deal and the best opportunity to make a Super Bowl run. That waiting game also might be beneficial to Kansas City. If they sign a player after May 1, they will not risk losing a 2027 compensatory pick. Right now, the Chiefs are projected to receive a fourth-round pick for the loss of Jaylen Watson.

It also gives K.C. a chance to reassess its needs after the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s entirely possible that they already have a handshake agreement with a veteran player to sign them following the draft. It’s also possible that the draft turns out in a way that they don’t feel the need to go out and sign a veteran edge rusher. The bottom line is that they’ve still got impactful options available, and they don’t currently have any reason to rush to get a deal done.

Veteran free agent edge rushers to know for the Chiefs

  • Cam Jordan
  • Von Miller
  • Joey Bosa
  • Jadeveon Clowney
  • Derek Barnett
  • Jihad Ward

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