Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu faces a unique amount of pressure this offseason. He failed to earn a long-term extension, instead signing just a one-year deal with the organization, though he's been one of the more impactful defenders on the team when on the field.
Omenihu missed six games in his first year with the franchise due to a domestic violence suspension before losing 11 to ACL tear recovery in 2024. He's still made fans believe he can be part of the future though, and that could make the Chiefs' George Karlaftis decision interesting following this campaign.
In the interim, it's been a disappointing offseason for Omenihu and he opened up about that topic during a press conference this past week.
Charles Omenihu Describes Difficult Free Agency Period Despite Re-Joining Chiefs
"I'd say the time that I did miss held weight in teams, and then obviously, it'd be difficult for anybody to look the same from injury and then after injury, so those two factors were something that I dealt with in free agency," Omenihu told reporters.
"Then, there's a time where you come to a point in the decision-making that you do kind of what makes football sense at the time. You throw your ego out of it, and you think long term and you think clear."
Omenihu signed a one-year, $4 million deal. Nearly $3.5 million of it is guaranteed, so it's not a major loss, though it can hardly be what Omenihu expected once he notched seven sacks in 11 games for Kansas City in 2023.
Still just 27 years old, Omenihu may still have his best years ahead of him. The Chiefs certainly hope so, and Omenihu could command an annual salary in the $10-$15 million range should he play a full season and remain effective, if not more.
"So, with that, getting a whole year, getting a whole offseason – I literally just came back from my workout, so getting that, I feel like, will bode well in my favor. Also, in the team's favor because, I mean, (if) I do well, we all do well."
Omenihu was on a blazing pace before tearing his ACL in the AFC Championship game on a strip-sack against the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, then struggled to find that same level of play. All parties hope he can regain that form, and that'd give the Chiefs a difficult decision to make in 2026 should that become the case.
Regardless, here's hoping Omenihu is able to deliver on his immense physical promise and avoid any more extended absences.