Kansas City Chiefs free agent positional preview: Examining potential options at DT to pair next to Chris Jones
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently paper thin at the defensive tackle position. They obviously have a great place to start with All-Pro Chris Jones, but behind him the only other two DTs under contract for next year are Fabien Lovett and Siaki Ika. Lovett spent the 2024 season on the Chiefs' practice squad and has […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently paper thin at the defensive tackle position.
They obviously have a great place to start with All-Pro Chris Jones, but behind him the only other two DTs under contract for next year are Fabien Lovett and Siaki Ika. Lovett spent the 2024 season on the Chiefs' practice squad and has never appeared in an NFL game, and Ika has only been active for four games going back to his time with the Cleveland Browns in 2023.
Not only does Kansas City need quality depth at the position, but it would be nice to find someone who can make an impact and take some of the weight off of Jones. The NFL's free agent legal tampering period begins on March 10, with signings able to become official on March 12 – marking the beginning of the new league year. Let's take a look at some potential DT options for the Chiefs in 2025.
Charles Omenihu
This is the most logical move for the Chiefs. Omenihu has spent the last two years in K.C. and has been made a big impact when available. Unfortunately, he missed six games in 2023 due to a suspension, and 11 games in 2024 coming off a torn ACL from the previous season's AFC Championship Game.
Moving forward Omenihu is now healthy and has no distractions. He is still just 27-years-old and should have a lot of good football left him. In 2023 he record a six-game sack streak to close out the season, and racked up six sacks in nine games (playoffs included) in 2024. The Chiefs should be able to bring Omenihu back on an affordable short-term deal.
Tershawn Wharton
Wharton is another DT that the Chiefs could bring back. He has spent his entire five-year career in K.C. and set a new high in sacks (6.5) and quarterback pressures (23) in 2024. He also had an additional two sacks during the postseason.
Wharton has mostly been a rotational player throughout his career, but he could push for the starting job opposite Jones if the Chiefs don't bring Omenihu back. Wharton has definitely earned himself some money with his performance last season, but he won't break the bank.
B.J. Hill
Hill is a seven-year veteran who has a well-rounded skillset as a run stuffer and pass rusher. He has recorded 16 sacks over the last four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, and had a career-high 9.5 run stuffs in 2024.
Hill and Jones would make for a very good duo in the middle of the Chiefs' defensive line. Both are productive and have a lot of experience. At 30-years-old, Hill won't command a long-term commitment or too big of a hit money-wise.
Calais Campbell
Campbell is currently contemplating whether or not he wants to continue playing, but if he does, a one-year deal with the Chiefs could make sense. Despite being 38-years-old, Campbell is still very productive – recording 52 total tackles, 20 QB pressures, and five sacks in 2024 for the Miami Dolphins last season.
Campbell would pair well opposite Jones and provide leadership and experience. He has expressed his desire to win a championship before he retires, so joining the Chiefs would give him one of the best opportunities to do so.
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Joseph-Day didn't put up huge numbers for the Tennessee Titans in 2024 (44 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, seven QB pressures), but is a six-year veteran and is very versatile.
It's not unusual for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to move his defensive linemen around to different spots, making Joseph-Day useful in his system. Joseph-Day has championship experience, winning a ring with the Los Angels Rams in 2021.
Adam Butler
After the Las Vegas Raiders lost DT Christian Wilkins in free agency and star defensive end Maxx Crosby missed a chunk of time due to injury, Butler stepped up in a big way in 2024. Butler recorded a career-high 65 total tackles, five sacks, 15 QB pressure, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Being that he just had his breakout season at age 30, he will likely be affordable since he only has a one-year track record of significant production. This would be a pretty easy deal for the Chiefs to make, and they could get a lot of bang for their buck if Butler can maintain his pace from last year.
