There's a serious defensive vacancy looming for the Kansas City Chiefs as training camp gets closer, but that's just one piece of a much bigger, more concerning puzzle. Back in May, the team was eyeing four free agent edge rushers to fill that hole, and while Cameron Jordan went back to his old squad, three veterans are still out there, ready to be snapped up for some competitive depth. This is a critical moment, especially when you consider where this team stands heading into the season.
The "Human" Chiefs Need Help on the Edge
One name that's always in the mix is Jadeveon Clowney, but there's another guy generating some buzz: Derek Barnett. This dude was a first-round pick in 2017, and even though he hasn't started a game since 2024, he still managed five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and eight tackles for loss last year with the Houston Texans. He played all 17 games for them, proving he can still contribute, even at 30 years old. With a defensive end spot open for months, you gotta wonder why Barnett isn't already signed. This team used to be the "most successful underdog" of the decade, winning 20 of 30 games in that role with a 66.67% win rate, but that feels like ancient history right now.Weeks 12-18 Will Define Everything, But Are They Ready?
Last season was rough. The Chiefs, once an "inevitable squad," apparently couldn't overcome their own deficiencies, and then Patrick Mahomes went down in December with a season-ending knee injury. Suddenly, the league doesn't fear them anymore. They look human, and there are a ton of questions floating around, starting with Mahomes. Tight end Tre Watson basically said it all on the 'Chief Concerns' podcast: "I think outside of Trav (Travis Kelce), I would say the rest of us are making a name for ourselves because we all feel like once you're outside of Trav, everybody's like we felt it this offseason. Don't nobody believe it." That's a huge statement, man. If nobody believes in them, it's not gonna get easier when you look at their schedule. Weeks 12-18? That's a brutal stretch, facing six possible playoff teams with only three home games. Weeks 12-14 are all away games and could absolutely define their entire season. Plus, they got an early bye in Week 5, which means they'll be at a rest disadvantage later when the toughest games hit. This team needs to figure out that edge rush spot, and fast, because the questions are piling up. What happens if they don't lock down those veterans? How are they going to survive that brutal back half of the schedule? Those are the real stakes heading into the pre-season, and we're all watching to see if they can answer them.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.