Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton broke out in 2024, and the former undrafted free agent could reportedly earn a massive deal on the open market. After spending the first four years of his career in a situational role, the Missouri product finally earned a starting job in 2024. He made the most of his opportunity, finishing the season with 6.5 sacks, 29 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and 11 quarterback hits playing alongside star defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Now scheduled to be a free agent, Tershawn Wharton could earn a surprisingly high payday. This report comes from Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, who notes the 26-year-old could “exceed expectations in free agency.” While Wharton may not be the league’s best run defender, his ability to consistently get after the quarterback should be coveted by teams across the league.
REPORT: Free Agent Tershawn Wharton Drawing Significant Interest
The Kansas City Chiefs would probably love to re-sign Tershawn Wharton, but they might not be able to afford their impending free agent. After using the franchise tag on Trey Smith, the team had to trade Joe Thuney just to reach salary cap compliance. The team is right at the salary cap limit, and they might prioritize other impending free agents like Nick Bolton over Wharton.
The fact of the matter is Kansas City cannot possibly retain all their talent, so Tershawn Wharton could leave as a free agent. If he reaches the open market, the following three teams could target the two-time Super Bowl champion.
Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes football games are won and lost in the trenches. The team had good defensive tackles last year, but Poona Ford, Teair Tart, and Morgan Fox are all free agents. While the team could re-sign some or all of these players, they could try and upgrade the position by targeting free agent Tershawn Wharton. Re-signing Ford and pairing him with Wharton would give Los Angeles one of the best front fours in football, especially if they can also retain impending free agent Khalil Mack.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen must rebuild this team in his image, and the first step could involve fixing the defensive line. Jacksonville didn’t have anyone capable of collapsing the pocket last year, and 2024 second-round pick Maason Smith does not look like the future of the defensive line. While it’s too early to completely give up on the LSU product, signing Tershwawn Wharton as a free agent will ensure this team has at least one competent interior pass rusher who can complement Josh Hines-Allen on the outside.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have perhaps the worst defensive line in football. After spending the 2024 offseason rebuilding the offense at the expense of the defense, General Manager Dan Morgan must address the trenches if he wants this team to compete. While the return of Derrick Brown will help, this team could use another three or four starters. Tershawn Wharton thrived as a DT2 alongside Chris Jones, and Brown’s presence could allow Wharton to play a similar role in Carolina.
