The Kansas City Chiefs are in need of a veteran edge rusher, and with training camp approaching, they have a few options to consider. While Cameron Jordan has returned to the New Orleans Saints, there are still three players on the market who could be of interest to the Chiefs.
One name that always comes up is Jadeveon Clowney, but another candidate from the list is Derek Barnett. Barnett, a first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, spent the last three years of his career in the AFC South. He appeared in all 17 games for the Houston Texans in 2025, but didn't start a single one. However, he still managed to record five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and eight tackles for loss.
The Chiefs, known for their success as an underdog, are facing a challenging stretch of games in Weeks 12-18. With six possible playoff teams and only three home games, the team's performance in these away games will be crucial. The Chiefs' recent struggles, including the loss of Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending injury, have raised questions about their dominance. The team's performance in 2026 will be a test of their resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
In other news, the Chiefs' tight end room has been a topic of discussion. Travis Kelce is a standout player, but the rest of the tight ends are making a name for themselves. Tre Watson, in an interview, expressed confidence in the team's tight end room, stating that everyone is making a name for themselves. The Chiefs' tight end situation is a concern, with a lack of high-end receiving upside and a focus on blocking.
The draft also revealed a trend in the selection of tight ends. A staggering nine tight ends were picked in the top-100 of the 2026 NFL Draft, with six of them projected to be blocking tight ends. The Chiefs' tight end room, consisting of Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wiley, along with undrafted free agents, may need to step up their game to meet the team's expectations.
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs have a few options to consider for a veteran edge rusher, and their tight end room is a work in progress. The team's challenges in the upcoming season will test their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The Chiefs' success as an underdog will be a key factor in their performance, and the team's ability to adapt and improve will be crucial to their success.
