In the lead-up to training camp, the Kansas City Chiefs’ pass rush will be essential to their success in 2025. One player, Charles Omenihu, who once had high hopes before facing a suspension and injuries, is finally ready to play a full season in Kansas City.
In 2023, there was one free agent I hoped the Chiefs would sign. He was a dominant defensive end from the San Francisco 49ers, and I had a gut feeling he’d be a tremendous asset to the team.
Following my advice, the Chiefs signed Charles Omenihu to a two-year deal worth $18 million. However, he arrived at the team with some off-field baggage, which resulted in a six-game suspension to start the 2023 season.
To his credit, he took the penalty, worked hard, and eventually joined his teammates on defense. Although it took a few games for him to settle in, he finished the season with seven sacks and was a key contributor to the team that ultimately won Super Bowl LVII.
However, a torn ACL in the AFC Title game against the Baltimore Ravens meant his 2025 debut would have to wait. Still, once again facing tough odds, he made his rehab very public, sharing behind-the-scenes footage on his YouTube channel, titled The Journey.
It was a rare inside look at the highs and lows of a player in rehab, but it served as extra motivation by showing how badly he wanted to return to the field and help his teammates last season. Though he only recorded one sack in seven games, the Chiefs signed him to a one-year deal at the start of free agency.
With a new contract in hand and just 27 years old (he turns 28 in August), he has the chance to reset his career and bolster the Chiefs’ defense. Pass rushers are still highly sought after in the NFL.
The Chiefs drafted Ashton Gillotte in April, and 2024 first-round pick Feliz Anudike-Uzomah is expected to challenge Omenihu for playing time. With George Karlaftis and Mike Danna as the starters at defensive end, the Chiefs rotate their ends to keep their pass rushers fresh.
For Omenihu, he enters this season without any off-the-field limitations, and he’ll head to training camp a year and a half after his ACL injury. In other words, 2025 offers a chance to play a full season in a Chiefs uniform.
If he can step up his game this season, he could earn a long-term deal from the Chiefs or another NFL team. However, that might motivate Omenihu; he could be a double-digit sack performer this season.
If that’s the case, the Chiefs’ defense, led by Chris Jones, should be able to apply intense pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They will need a strong performance from Omenihu because the Chiefs will face a long list of high-profile quarterbacks this season.
Thus, the return of Omenihu as a dominant force could be the wild card this defense needs to catch up with the Denver Broncos in the AFC West as the division’s best defense.
Should that happen, Omenihu will be able to help the Chiefs return to the Super Bowl and secure a new contract.
