While the Kansas City Chiefs received great news on Wednesday with the higher-than-expected salary cap bump, they still have plenty of big-name impending free agents. Among those free agents is veteran defensive end Charles Omenihu. The 27-year-old has been with the Chiefs for two seasons, and he has played well when healthy.
On Thursday, Omenihu was a guest on the "Up & Adams Show" with Kay Adams. During their conversation, Adams asked the veteran pass rusher whether getting a bag (money) or winning was more important to him was a bigger priority for him. Omenihu said, " I'll first say that playing in big games is my number one priority.."
"Playing in BIG games in my NO. 1 priority." #Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu on his upcoming free agency. @charless_94 @heykayadams @Chiefs | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/8ONilSFX3O
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 20, 2025
Charles Omenihu's Signals He Wants to Return to Chiefs in 2025
" I'll first say that playing in big games is my number one priority. But obviously when your in a position to take care of your family, your kids to come and generations to come, you can't overlook that. So, it will be a hand in hand type of deal. "Charles Omenihu.
Omenihu's comments make all the sense in the world. Every athlete has a desire to win, or they wouldn't be playing. However, setting generations to come up with wealth is the biggest benefit of being a top-tier pro athlete.
In Omenihu's two seasons with Kansas City, he has recorded 34 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles in 17 regular season games. Furthermore, he has recorded 12 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in six playoff games.
Omenihu is definitely a difference-maker when he has been on the field for the Chiefs. That said, Spotrac has Omenihu projected to sign a four-year deal worth $47.32 million this offseason. That would mean he is earning an average annual salary of 11.8 million.
While that's not top-of-the-line money, the Chiefs don't have that much to allocate to Omenihu. As a result, he would be taking a pay cut to stay on a team he knows will win.
Ultimately, Omenihu leaving for more money would be understandable. Yet, Chiefs Kingdom would love it if he stayed in Kansas City.