The Kansas City Chiefs‘ roster is mostly set for the 2026 season.
However, they could always look to strengthen a couple more positions. Arguments could be made that the Chiefs would benefit from adding to their wide receiver, safety, and defensive end groups.
Free Agent DE Cameron Jordan Attends Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ Charity Event
On Thursday Mahomes and his charity, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, held their annual golf event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Free agent defensive end Cameron Jordan raised eyebrows when he posted a picture of himself attending the event on social media (H/T Starcade Media).
📷: camjordan94
Kansas City and Jordan have had rumored mutual interest throughout the offseason. A couple of months ago Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones took to social media to urge the team to sign Jordan.
The Chiefs could still use some quality depth at defensive end. They drafted R Mason Thomas in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but it could be beneficial for him to begin in his career in a rotational role rather than being a three-down player right off the bat.
Behind Thomas and George Karlaftis at defensive end are Ashton Gillotte, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and Tyreke Smith. That group leaves a lot to be desired, and an injury to Thomas or Karlaftis would put Kansas City in rough shape at the position.
Jordan is a 15-year veteran who has recorded 132 sacks, 763 total tackles, 67 passes defensed, and 17 forced fumbles throughout his career. He has spent his entire NFL tenure with the New Orleans Saints, and posted 10.5 sacks last season, his highest total since 2021.
Jordan is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He has experience in Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive system, playing under him in 2012. During that season, Jordan posted a career high in tackles with 67.
If Kansas City were to sign Jordan, he could start opposite Karlaftis. That would allow Thomas to ease in as a situational pass rusher, and Thomas would keep the veteran Jordan fresh rotating with him. Jordan would give the Chiefs some much-needed depth, while bolstering what should be an already improved pass rush from 2025.
Chiefs’ Defensive Line Should Be Much Improved in 2026
GettyChiefs rookie DL Peter Woods
Kansas City will have a new-look defensive line this season. Jones is still obviously the anchor and leader of the group, but now he has more help than he’s had in a few years. The Chiefs drafted Peter Woods with their 2026 No. 29 overall pick, whose game has drawn comparisons to Jones’.
K.C. also signed free agent veteran Khyiris Tonga during the offseason. Tonga is a well-rounded player who will help with both the pass rush and against the run. Second-year player Omarr Norman-Lott, who showed promise as a rookie, is returning from a torn ACL that he sustained early in 2025.
Thomas is a different type of defensive end than what Spagnuolo usually utilizes. However, that will be a welcomed change from how slow and unproductive the Chiefs’ pass rush has been over the past few years. Thomas is a speedster who has a quick first step and plays with a high motor.
Free Agent Linked to Chiefs Attends Patrick Mahomes’ Charity Event