The Chiefs' defense has been one of the best in football since Steve Spagnuolo took over the role of DC in 2019. But recently, there has been a glaring struggle at the core of the defense, and this year will be an essential one for several young players to prove what they can do going forward. Chris Jones is a superstar and is likely the best defensive lineman in the NFL, but outside of him, the Chiefs' defensive line has been incredibly inconsistent, and 2025 will be pivotal for several players to find a future in Kansas City.
Generating pressure has been a struggle for the Chiefs in the pass game, particularly when operating out of base packages and four-man rush sets. Kansas City loves to load the box and has one of the highest blitz percentages in the league under Steve Spagnuolo. And while this has always been a part of his philosophy, the struggles on the defensive line have caused this number to increase even more.
When you take out Chris Jones' snaps out wide, the Chiefs Edge rotation had the fifth worst pass rush win rate in the league.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) June 20, 2025
I cannot possibly emphasize enough how much of a load bearing wall he was for the whole building last year. They could not have functioned without him.
Chris Jones simply can not do it all. While he is capable of lining up on the edge, or as a 3-tech DT, or even as the nose tackle over the center, he should not have to make up for other players' struggles. Jones' versatility is incredibly valuable, but it is more valuable when the team can use him how they want, not how they need.
Kansas City has several players who could take a step forward in 2025, with a good blend of young talent and more experienced players looking to bounce back. Guys like George Karlaftis and Mike Danna have been solid on the EDGE for Kansas City, but Danna becomes a cut candidate this offseason as he enters the last year of his contract, and Karlaftis will be looking for an extension.
Karlaftis will be pricy, as he has put up 18.5 sacks over the last two years, and next season will be his last year under contract as Kansas City picked up his fifth-year option. He will need to prove he is worth a contract of 25 million APY again this year if he wants an extension, and if he doesn't, he could be a prime trade candidate this offseason. Danna will want a restructured deal or an extension, and while his sack numbers are not elite, his ability to play a variety of roles effectively is valuable. He will need to show that value consistently in 2025 to get a new deal and continue to be a part of the team.
Maybe the most essential member of the Chiefs' defensive line will be Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the team's first-round pick in 2023. FAU has played very limited snaps, only logging three sacks in the first two years of his NFL career. But when he has been on the field, the talent is there, and it would be a massive addition for the team if he could take a step forward in 2025. Ashton Gillotte was the team's third-round pick, and he will also find some time on the field off the edge. You cannot count on a rookie to be productive in year one, but if he can give some quality snaps, he could carve out a role for himself going forward.
There are a few players on one-year deals, like Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery, and Mike Pennel, who will get significant play time this year, looking for another contract, either in Kansas City or elsewhere. Omarr Norman-Lott was the team's second-round pick, and with his upside as a pass rusher, a good year out of him would be a massive game changer in 2025 and beyond.
The 2026 NFL draft is flooded with talent on the defensive line, and the team will have plenty of options going into the offseason. The Chiefs will have the ability to add players anywhere on the defensive line in the draft, which will also give them the ability to move on from any of their players that they do not see as a part of their future.
Long story short, the Chiefs need to get Chris Jones some help on the defensive line, and the weight can not be on his shoulders at all times throughout the season. Kansas City will be evaluating almost every member of their defensive line this season, as this year will be pivotal for them and the future of the defense. About six guys will be in a make-or-break season, which will determine their future with the team. Also, keep an eye on some of the top defensive linemen in college, with several guys from Oklahoma, Clemson, and Penn State all being possibilities in the draft next season.