Chiefs defender could be tougher to retain than some think after being named one of the top under-the-radar free agents available
While the Kansas City Chiefs are hung up on what to do with soon-to-be top free agents such as linebacker Nick Bolton and safety Justin Reid, they also have a decision to make regarding defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently named Wharton as one of his top under-the-radar free agents available for the […]
While the Kansas City Chiefs are hung up on what to do with soon-to-be top free agents such as linebacker Nick Bolton and safety Justin Reid, they also have a decision to make regarding defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently named Wharton as one of his top under-the-radar free agents available for the 2025 offseason.
"He is in position to become the third interior rusher off the board behind (Osa) Odighizuwa and (Milton) Williams," Fowler said.
Wharton is coming off a career-year in 2024, recording 6.5 sacks (second on the team behind defensive end George Karlaftis), 23 quarterback pressures, 29 total tackles, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He also recorded two more sacks in the postseason, and started a career-high 12 games.
As is usually the case, many teams are thirsty for a player who can provide that good of a pass rush, especially from the interior of the defensive line. Wharton has spent most of his five-year career with Kansas City as a rotational player, and isn't the biggest name it has set to hit free agency, but will be in high demand nevertheless.
For comparison, in 2019 former Chiefs defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah priced his way out of K.C. with 5.5 sacks in 10 games as a rotational defensive end. Wharton not only had a higher sack total this past season, but the price for pass rushers is much higher now than it was then.
The Chiefs do have some salary cap space to work with, and defensive tackle is definitely a need, but they have plenty of other holes within their roster to address as well. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that K.C. brings back Wharton, but it may choose to go the route of the draft to find an impact DT, especially since many feel the position is in this year's class.
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