As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to turn their 2025 season around, there are two clear positions that could use improvement. The first is the well-covered need for more production from the offensive backfield. Second, the defense could use another rotational edge rusher capable of getting to the quarterback. While Kansas City ranks in the middle of the pack with 10 sacks on the year, it has been obvious that more edge depth would be beneficial. Opening the door to signing the recently cleared Drake Jackson.
Jackson has sat out the first part of the 2025 season after missing all of 2024 due to an injury. This has been the story of the defender's career after being selected 61st overall in the 2022 draft. Injuries have hampered his career and forced the San Francisco 49ers to move on. Stealing a piece from a team that has twice matched up with the Chiefs in the Super Bowl makes the potential signing all the more enticing. Jackson is yet to truly stay healthy long enough to gauge his potential ceiling. Making it clear that it is a potentially savvy move for GM Brett Veach.
Chiefs Shouldn't Hesitate to Sign Free Agent Pass Rusher Drake Jackson
The Chiefs would have competition if they opt to sign the defender, with ESPN's Adam Schefter noting that Jackson has visits scheduled with the Jets, Commanders, and Ravens this week. Still, the Chiefs would have a decided advantage if they opted to bring in the pass rusher. Kansas City is an established contender, while the trio of teams working out Jackson are desperate to turn the year around.
Kansas City can offer the chance to compete for a Super Bowl and garner a lot of attention if Jackson can offer any impact during this run. If the edge rusher is looking for the best path to a potentially huge payday, it is lining up in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. For the Chiefs, it isn't as if this move would be expensive based on the lack of a proven track record.
You're paying very little for an unknown upside, hoping that your system and improved health are enough to find a surprise contributor. Leaving no question that it is a move that should be made if the Chiefs are given the opportunity.
For Jackson, you simply have to hope that this is the start of his career turning around after three years of frustrating injury setbacks. It is easy to pull for a USC product who finally has a chance to pick his landing spot and could do no better than a Chiefs team that once again appears to be at the top of the league's elite.