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Chiefs Linked To Big-Name Defensive Upgrade After 6-11 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zahid Rashid | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 11:52 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have hit a reset after going 6–11 in the 2025 NFL season and missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. The Chiefs have also been affected by several offseason departures, prompting major free agent acquisitions.

While both sides of the ball have been affected, the defensive backfield has been hit especially hard. Cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, while safety Bryan Cook (Cincinnati Bengals) and Jaylen Watson (Los Angeles Rams) departed in free agency.

Kansas City has since added former Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman, former Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou, and former New England Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. However, they are not done yet and are now eyeing veteran help in the pass-rush department.

Andy Reid watches the play against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-Imagn Images

According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Kansas City is being linked with veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan, with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones publicly pushing for the signing.

"Moving forward in free agency, the Chiefs are a possible destination for pass rusher Cameron Jordan, according to a league source...Jones revealed that he was pitching the idea of Jordan, who's a free agent, joining the Chiefs by posting his name on his X account last week. If Jordan did join the Chiefs, he would give them a clear upgrade on the edge while playing on the opposite side of defensive end George Karlaftis," Taylor wrote.

Jordan, a first-round pick in 2011, has spent his entire 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints. He has earned eight Pro Bowl selections, two second-team All-Pro honors, and one first-team All-Pro selection. He has recorded double-digit sacks in seven seasons, most recently in 2025, when he finished with 10.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Jordan is no longer in his prime and will turn 37 in July, but he showed in 2025 that he is still highly capable and could make a meaningful impact in Kansas City on a short-term deal. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper projected Jordan to be worth $8 million on a one-year contract this offseason, and the Chiefs have $8.5 million in cap space entering Friday, enough to make such an offer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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