Chiefs' Charles Omenihu was listed as a potential "cut candidate" in 2024.
Getty
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu was listed as a potential "cut candidate" in 2024.
The Kansas City Chiefs have made multiple big signings during free agency so far, but have also lost several key players.
They parted with both starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who are now members of the Los Angeles Rams. Safety Bryan Cook signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, and linebacker Leo Chenal is now with the Washington Commnaders.
Kansas City is retooling its roster following a disappointing 6-11 2025 season. There will be plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball in 2026 as the Chiefs look to revitalize their dynasty run. On Wednesday they lost two members of their defensive line, a position group in which they are already thin at.
Former Kansas City Chiefs DL Charles Omenihu Signs With Washington Commanders
Charles Omenihu reacts
GettyDefensive end Charles Omenihu
According to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter, Omenihu has signed a one-year contract worth up to $7 million with the Commanders.
Adam Schefter
Former Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million with the Washington Commanders, per his agent @DavidMulugheta of Athletes First.
Omenihu was fifth-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2019. He signed a two-year deal with the Chiefs in 2023, and got a one-year extension in 2025. He made a big impact during his first season in Kansas City, recording 31 total tackles, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles. Unfortunately, he capped the year off by tearing his ACL in the AFC Championship Game.
Omenihu never quite recaptured his form when he returned, posting just 6 total tackles and one sack in six games in 2024. Although he appeared in all 17 games in 2025, he only tallied 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He will now look to get back on track in Washington, where he’ll be joining Chenal.
Former Chiefs DL Malik Herring Sings With Tennessee Titans
Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring.
GettyDefensive end Malik Herring
According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Herring has signed a one-year deal with the Titans.
Jordan Schultz
Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Chiefs DE Malik Herring to a 1-year deal.
Herring was an undrafted free agent out of Georgia and spent four years developing in Kansas City and seeing some action. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi was in KC when Herring was originally signed.
Herring signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He tore his ACL during the Senior Bowl just ahead of the draft, so he did not play as a rookie. Herring made the 53-man roster in 2022, and made his NFL debut in Week 3 of that season, recording two tackles. He would appear in just six more games that year.
In 2023 he recorded the first sack and forced fumble of his career, appearing in seven games. He got his most playing time in 2024, appearing in 12 games and recording 12 tackles. In 2025 Herring was released in October, but re-signed with the Chiefs’ practice squad in November. He appeared in just two games and did not record a stat.
Examining the Chiefs’ Defensive Line
Kansas City has solid depth at defensive tackle with star Chris Jones, second year player Omarr Norman-Lott, and the newly signed Khyiris Tonga. However, an argument can be made that defensive end is currently its biggest need. George Karlaftis will be one of the two starters at the position, but his sack total has declined each of the last two years.
Karlaftis needs a strong starter opposite of him. The Chiefs also need quality depth behind Karlaftis and whoever else they bring in. Kansas City ranked 25th in the NFL in sacks last season with just 35. There are still some quality pass rushers available in free agency, and the Chiefs will almost certainly grab one with one of their four picks in the top 100 of the 2026 NFL Draft.