Pro Football Rumors
Not long before the trade deadline, the Chiefs emerged as a suitor for reinforcements along the defensive line. That was in spite of the team’s recent reunion with Mike Pennel.
The veteran was granted his release from the Bengals, something which paved the way for a third Kansas City stint. Another move – this time via trade – was considered a possibility for the Chiefs as a means of acquiring further depth along the D-line. Nothing took place on that front, but another acquisition could still be in store.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes the Pennel deal will not stop Kansas City from making an addition move along the defensive front. Few defensive tackles were viewed as true trade candidates, and with the major exception of Quinnen Williams none were dealt at the deadline. As Jones notes, though, the Chiefs could turn to the free agent market for a late-season acquisition.
Chris Jones has been available for each of the team’s nine games so far, but in that span he has notched only two sacks. The three-time All-Pro’s down year in terms of production has not been helped by the underwhelming output of veteran Derrick Nnadi. Rookie Omarr Norman-Lott is out for the season, so adding a rotational presence along the interior could prove to be impactful down the stretch.
Production along the edge has been an issue outside of George Karlaftis. With Felix Anudike- Uzomah also out of the picture for the remainder of the campaign, adding a pass rusher would come as little surprise. In any case, a low-cost move should be expected. Kansas City currently sits near the bottom of the league with just $3MM in cap space. That reality informed the team’s approach at the trade deadline, but it may not get in the way of a modest signing.
