On the surface it appears that the Kansas City Chiefs are pretty well set at the defensive end, but it's not out of the question that they look to make an upgrade.

They have currently have four DEs under contract for 2025 – George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and BJ Thompson. Karlaftis is eligible to receive a contract extension this offseason, and there's a decent chance that it happens. Anudike-Uzomah has made some strides, but has been disappointing overall given his first-round draft pick status.

2024 was a washout for Thompson after he suffered cardiac arrest during training camp, landing him on the Non-Football Illness list. Then there's Danna, who's coming off a disappointing season, but to his credit did finish strong. All-in-all, unless Danna can find some consistency and elevate his game a bit, there's a lot to be desired for Kansas City's DE group behind Karlaftis.

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 DE options for the Chiefs in 2025.

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Derek Barnett

Barnett would be a very good rotational player coming off the bench, and could cut into Danna's rep. The nine-year veteran had a bounce back season in 2024, recording 26 total tackles, five sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, and two forced fumbles for the Houston Texans.

Barnett is a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. While he never lived up to that status, his game has become well-rounded as a veteran. He won't command a long-term commitment or a lot of money, and could give the Chiefs' pass rush more of a jolt. 

Emmanuel Ogbah

Ogbah is a nine-year veteran who has recorded at least five sacks in five of his last six seasons. He spent the 2019 season with the Chiefs, recording 5.5 sacks as a rotational DE. Ogbah started 16 games for the Miami Dolphins last season, the most since his rookie year.

Ogbah would bring experience and steady play to Kansas City's defense. He is familiar with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system, and could stay fresh in the Chiefs' DE rotation. 

Matthew Judon

Judon is a four-time Pro Bowler who recorded double-digit sacks in 2021 (12.5) and 2022 (15.5). However, he has just 9.5 sacks over the last two years combined, partially due to injuries. His dominant days may be behind him, but he still posted a solid stat line of 41 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 12 QB pressures last season.

If the Chiefs did acquire Judon, there would be a real possibility that he would eclipse Danna as the starter. He would come a little more pricey than other options, but it could be worth it if K.C. is serious about improving its pass rush.

Clelin Ferrell

Ferrell has definitely not lived up to be selected fourth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, but has settled into the league as a decent rotational piece at DE. In 2024 with the Washington Commanders, Ferrell recorded 3.5 sacks, 12 QB pressures, 26 total tackles and one forced fumble in 10 starts.

Still just 27-years-old, Ferrell would make for fine depth for K.C. He certainly has the physical attributes that the Chiefs like at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds. Perhaps Ferrell will be a late bloomer and just needs to find the right system.

Kansas City Chiefs free agent positional preview: Examining potential options at DT to pair next to Chris Jones

They need some depth there.