Assessing Current State of Chiefs’ Defensive Units

Veach and the front office struck gold in the 2022 NFL Draft, landing Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook, and Joshua Williams at various points. Watson, Cook, and Williams all signed elsewhere in free agency while the Chiefs traded McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for multiple draft selections, including No. 29 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kansas replenished some of those losses by signing former Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million contract, which includes $15 million guaranteed, and former Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou to a one-year deal. While neither of those acquisitions will blow people away, both players could establish themselves as solid additions to a defense desperate for experience.

Additionally, 2025 third-round pick Nohl Williams, who showed flashes in a limited role last season, will step into a starting cornerback position in 2026. The Chiefs will undoubtedly add multiple cornerbacks through the draft in April.

Defensive Line

Last season, Kansas City ranked 26th in the league with 33 sacks and was a major component in the defense's inability to get off the field on third down. A lack of a pass rush also leaves the secondary vulnerable, which was certainly the case in 2025.

This offseason, the only reinforcement brought in that department has been former New England Patriots' defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Kansas City. While his addition will provide a much-needed boost against the run, the Chiefs are still without a difference-making edge rusher.

Chris Jones will be 32 years old before the start of next season, and Kansas City must support him with edge rushers on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Chiefs should prioritize an edge rusher at No. 9 if the board falls their way.

Linebacker

Leo Chenal signed with the Washington Commanders, leaving Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill as the main linebackers on the depth chart. This is another position Kansas City should address in the middle rounds of the draft.