After weeks of mulling over free agency pass-rushing options for the Kansas City Chiefs, the dream of landing star veteran Cameron Jordan as the final piece of the puzzle was shattered. In an offseason where Brett Veach has largely retooled the majority of the defense, adding one more threat off the edge for opposing quarterbacks to worry about would have been the final notch on the belt.
However, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport announced earlier today that Jordan will be returning to the New Orleans Saints on a one-year, incentive-laden deal. This marks the beginning of Jordan's 16th NFL season, all of which have come playing down in Louisiana, and potentially the swan song of a well-deserved Hall of Fame career.
While it all depends on the financial construction of the contract, the Chiefs certainly could have benefited from adding a guy who produced double-digit sacks (10.5) in 2025, despite entering his age-37 season. But perhaps the reasoning for Jordan returning to his longtime NFL home can help mend the wounds of not landing him, as this may have been the plan from the start for New Orleans, as the Chiefs potentially have their sights set elsewhere around the remaining free agency pool.
Where do the Chiefs go from here after missing out on the 8-time Pro-Bowler?
As is typically the case in mid-June, pickings are slim, especially when trying to find notable pass-rushers who are gobbled up the second money starts being handed out. Joey Bosa and Derek Barnett remain potential fits for Steve Spagnuolo, as well as a potential reunion with Emmanuel Ogbah, who tallied 5.5 sacks in his lone season with the Chiefs in 2019.
But perhaps the lack of movement along this front from Veach and co. could simply be described as trust in their young guys' ascension and that the veterans will bounce back from a down year. It's beginning to feel the same way when it comes to the Chiefs' need at wide receiver, and it may just be as simple as they feel comfortable going into the season with the guys on the books.
While that's not what some like to believe, it's a fair argument. George Karlaftis broke his hand midway through the 2025 season and expects to come back fully healthy. Ashton Gillotte enters year two with expectations and a clear mindset, and rookie second-round pick R Mason Thomas has the chance to provide the Chiefs a speed element off the edge the team has lacked for too long.
Not to mention the 'Fantastic Four' Kansas City possesses in the defensive tackle room that could help with pass-rush as well. While it'd be ideal to add another proven sack-getter, we may have to start coming to the realization that the Chiefs feel fine with where they are and the work they've accomplished to get here.
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