Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu (90) is introduced prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.



Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing defensive lineman Charles Omenihu to a one-year contract worth up to a maximum of $7 million, per a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Omenihu’s future with the Chiefs was in doubt, but now he’ll get a chance to play one more year in Kansas City. 2025 could be the first full season he plays since he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

In 2023 Omenihu missed the first six games of the season due to a suspension, and in 2024 he missed the first 11 games as he rehabbed from a torn ACL that he suffered in the AFC Championship Game the year previous.

Still just 27-years-old, Omenihu could earn a big contract if he stays healthy and has a big season. He is a versatile defensive lineman who can line up at tackle or on the edge. In 17 games with Kansas City Omenihu has recorded 34 total tackles, eight sacks, 16 quarterback pressures, and three forced fumbles.

This move by the Chiefs follows the signing of veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery last week. With the addition of him and Omenihu’s return, they are in much better shape along the defensive line heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Before these moves, the Chiefs appeared poised to spend a high draft pick on a DT.

Make no mistake, they still certainly could as both Omenihu and Tillery are on just one-year deals. However, K.C. now has more comfort to draft the best player available and not force a pick for need. Brett Veach has done a great job during his tenure as Chiefs’ general manager of filling roster holes through free agency in order to open up the team’s options in the draft.