This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs, must weigh several possibilities. Internally, deciding which pieces to keep is critical. Externally, scouring the 2026 NFL Draft and free agent markets could be even more important.
Stuck in between is building for the future, especially considering players who are currently under contract. Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a perfect example of someone who presents a bit of a dilemma. Although he’s set to enter just his fourth season, the team must soon decide whether to exercise his fifth-year option.
General manager Brett Veach cleared the air on that prospect this week.
Chiefs Noncommittal About Exercising Felix Anudike-Uzomah’s Fifth-Year Option
Speaking to media at the annual NFL Scouting Combine, Veach was asked about Anudike-Uzomah’s future. He prefers to focus on the present instead.
Documented by Herbie Teope of KC Sports Network, Veach danced around the fifth-year option avenue. The Chiefs simply want their 2023 first-round pick to get back on the field and let his play do the talking.
“I think our focus right now is getting him out there and having a healthy season, and showing the league what he can do,” Veach said, per Teope. “That’s our focus right now.”
The 2025-26 campaign was a lost one for Anudike-Uzomah. Before the season even began, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a hamstring ailment. Having not played all year long, that’s led some to pitch him as a potential trade chip. Assuming Veach’s intent is clear, though, he could find himself remaining in Kansas City for 2026-27.
This year’s deadline for teams to decide on fifth-year options is May 1. On February 11, Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac outlined his projected option salaries for all 32 first-round picks. As the final selection of that opening round a handful of years ago, Anudike-Uzomah’s estimate is $14.68 million for 2027 if said option is picked up.
Given that the Chiefs are in wait-and-see mode, those odds seem minuscule.
Assessing Kansas City’s Defensive End Room Before Free Agency
Regardless of what progress Anudike-Uzomah does make, Kansas City needs more talent around him. The defensive end room is underwhelming, even with one of its leaders locked in on a long-term deal.
George Karlaftis has several years remaining on his contract. He accounts for just 5.0% and 4.7% of the cap in the next two seasons. Surging cap hits for 2028 and beyond make things interesting, but he’s reliable. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 66 pressures this past season and led the position group in pass rush grade at 75.8. The 2022 first-rounder offers a solid floor, albeit with a lower ceiling.
Veteran Charles Omenihu, who ranked second among Chiefs D-ends with 34 pressures last regular season, is a free agent. There’s also an argument to be made that he’s a relative shell of himself following injury. Ashton Gillotte, the team’s choice for Rookie of the Year, is a slow-burning pass rusher. Mike Danna was released this week and while Veach didn’t close the door on a potential return, that can’t be banked on.
All things considered, that leaves Anudike-Uzomah in an interesting position. If minor investments are made to improve at defensive end, he could receive plenty of snaps in year No. 4. On the other hand, he hasn’t shown much to deserve that. He has just 3 regular-season sacks to his name and, per PFF, owns all of 23 pressures in 329 pass-rushing opportunities.
Expect the Chiefs to be active in doing their due diligence in free agency. It’s also possible (read: it would be wise if) they inject the roster with defensive line talent in the NFL Draft. Veach didn’t come out and say such, but Anudike-Uzomah seems destined for a prove-it year coming off the injury.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Chiefs Clear Air on Future of Former First-Round Pick appeared first on Heavy Sports.