The Kansas City Chiefs made some additions to the roster during free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. They believe they are better equipped for next season, but they've had to make decisions on the future of multiple guys.
May 1 was the deadline for teams to use a fifth-year option on first-rounders from the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Chiefs passed on picking that up for defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, per Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. After three underwhelming seasons, KC didn't want to pick up the $14.5 million deal for the 2027 campaign, but could you blame them? It's all on Anudike-Uzomah to step up if he wants a future in Kansas City. If not, he'll be a goner next offseason after the organization's decision.
Chiefs Decline Felix Anudike-Uzomah’s Fifth Year Option
Last season was tough for the Kansas State product, as he was placed on IR in August after suffering a strained hamstring in a preseason contest against the Seattle Seahawks. That was difficult, especially since he needed the reps to prove that he can be a building piece moving forward.
In 34 games (three starts) with the Chiefs, he has 41 total tackles, eight TFLs, 14 QB hits, and three sacks. For a former first-round pick, that production is nowhere near good enough. He did make some strides from 2023 to 2024, increasing his pressure and QB hit totals. Nonetheless, it isn't enough to instill confidence in the front office. His Pro Football Focus grades are another example that displays his uneven play.
Season | Overall Grade | Run Defense Grade | Pass Rush Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 52.1 | 47.7 | 52.3 |
2024 | 58.4 | 56.3 | 60.5 |
The Chiefs went into the offseason with questions along the defensive line, resulting in multiple additions to the group. In free agency, they signed Khyiris Tonga before drafting Peter Woods to bolster the interior of that line. They then nabbed Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas with the 40th overall pick.
While he's a smaller edge rusher (6'2", 249 pounds) than Kansas City typically drafts, Thomas has a pathway to getting playing time. He has an explosive first step with the bend and speed to give tackles trouble. The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked him as his 10th edge rusher in this class. In his breakdown of him, he wrote, "Thomas is an undersized edge defender who combines first-step quickness with violent play strength and closing burst and never quits working to the football. His ability to vary his rush tempo leads to disruption and will help him find a meaningful role in the NFL."
During his time in college, he had 65 total tackles, 25.5 TFLs, 17 sacks, and four forced fumbles. There's a reason KC took him with the 40th overall pick, and it shows how they viewed Anudike-Uzomah. He hasn't provided the Chiefs with the evidence, but they didn't have faith in him, causing them to draw a line in the sand. If Anudike-Uzomah doesn't answer the call, his time in Kansas City will end after the 2026 season.
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