The Kansas City Chiefs have reason for excitement when it comes to the edge rushing position and development expectations around Ashton Gillotte and R Mason Thomas. Still, there is a clear argument to be made that the franchise could benefit from a veteran presence. Boosting production and having an established edge rusher for KC's young defenders to lean on would be a welcome addition and a fitting cap to what has been a strong 2026 offseason.
With this in mind, let's look at the three best remaining fits on the market and what realistic expectations might be. Starting with a veteran who is coming off double-digit sacks and could force his way into the starting lineup.
Chiefs need a veteran edge-rusher before training camp starts
1. Cam Jordan
Jordan was a bit of a surprise in an offseason departure based on the fact that the defender offered the New Orleans Saints 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in a great season. Still, Jordan remains unsigned and is a clear target for Kansas City. Bolstering the pass rush with Jordan hands you both a respected leader for your young pieces to lean on, as well as a chance to find valued production from a respected edge rusher.
For Jordan, the sell is simple, with Kansas City being Super Bowl contenders every season that Patrick Mahomes has been healthy. Add in the chance to work with the elite coordinator that Steve Spagnuolo is, and there simply isn't any downside from Jordan's perspective after spending much of the last decade with a Saints team far from meaningful contention.
2. Joey Bosa
Bosa is a name that KC fans will be extremely familiar with based on the edge rusher's time with the Los Angeles Chargers. Bosa spent the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills and is sitting in free agency with retirement speculation. If there is one team clearly in position to get Bosa completely focused on the season ahead and get the best out of the edge rusher, it's the Chiefs.
Much of the same reasoning with Jordan applies here, with the veteran yet to have a chance at competing for anything of note. Bosa spent the bulk of his career on bad Charger teams and was a clear source of frustration for the Bills a season ago, who were hopeful of star-level production. Bosa might no longer be this player, but he could still boost Kansas City's pass-rushing rotation and be a clear asset.
3. Derek Barnett
Barnett makes sense if the Chiefs want to bring in a top-level backup who isn't going to shake up the starting lineup. Barnett's ceiling is 5-6 sacks as a rotational player capable of making a consistent impact out of a reserve role. This is where Barnett has spent each of the past two seasons, offering 5.0 sacks with the Houston Texans in back-to-back years. Previously, the edge-rusher spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, filling a similar role.
Kansas City makes sense as a landing spot, giving Barnett a chance to chase a ring without putting starter expectations on him. If the Chiefs want to go the safe route of adding a clear talent without bringing in a big name that inspires expectations, Barnett makes a great deal of sense.
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