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The Kansas City Chiefs have added to their defensive line by signing Charles Omenihu to a two-year, $20 million max deal, according to Jordan Schultz of the Score on March 14.
Omenihu, 25, played his college ball at Texas and entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick of the Houston Texans in 2019. During his three seasons in Houston, he played in a total of 35 games and registered 84 total pressures (55 QB hurries, 22 QB hits, 7 sacks), according to PFF.
During November of the 2021 season, Omenihu was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a future late-round pick. Then, after playing out the remainder of the 2021 season in San Francisco and then undergoing a full offseason with the 49ers, Omenihu rounded into form during the 2022 season.
In 17 regular season games played last season, Omenihu recorded 54 total pressures (39 QB hurries, 10 QB hits, 5 sacks) along with 10 stops and 1 forced fumble. During the 49ers’ playoff run in January, he registered 8 total pressures (4 QB hurries, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits) along with 3 stops and another forced fumble in two games, which set him up for his first NFL payday this offseason.
Chiefs Stocking Up on Defensive Linemen
Earlier in the day on March 14, the Chiefs re-signed defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton to a one-year, $2 million deal, which was first reported by Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. The Chiefs now add Charles Omenihu to a defensive line in Kansas City that was very thin, specifically along the interior, heading into the second day of the NFL’s legal tampering period.
Prior to Tuesday, Chris Jones was the only defensive tackle on the Chiefs’ roster that played meaningful snaps during the 2022 season and was also under contract through the 2023 season. Khalen Saunders, Brandon Williams, and Derrick Nandi are currently free agents.
Adding Omenihu to Kansas City’s defense provides yet another versatile piece for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to play around with. During his career, Omenihu has played 848 snaps along the edge, 464 over the offensive tackle, 414 over the B-gap, and 173 over the A-gap, according to PFF. That means he has experience playing at every position along the defensive line.
Having that type of versatility alongside a player like Jones, who can also play every position along the defensive line, will allow Kansas City to take advantage of specific matchups against opposing offensive lines moving forward.
Twitter Reacts to Chiefs Signing Charles Omenihu
Twitter users reacted to the Chiefs signing Charles Omenihu during free agency.
“Hope all these FA DL pass rushers that leave SF for their [money] are sending a nice tip to Kris Kocurek this dude has more money for guys that have played here sure hope he gets a little commission we need a 30 for 30 on it one day,” one Twitter user wrote.
“Chiefs adds a Pass Rusher! Omenihu brings versatility along the defensive line with his 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame enabling him to line up over tackles,” another user wrote. “His 20.4% pass-rush win rate since 2021 ranks 12th among edges, and his 13.6% pressure percentage ranks 24th.”
“Not only do the Niners lose Omenihu, he goes to the damn Chiefs,” Randy Wilkins of ESPN wrote. “Great. San Francisco needs to add a vet edge to go with Drake Jackson.”
“Unfair addition for the Chiefs. The last thing teams needed was another dude with go-go gadget arms to deal with next to Chris Jones,” Titans reporter Paul Herndon wrote.
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