Charles Omenihu is set for free agency after a two-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. When on the field, he was mostly a disruptive piece for the Chiefs’ pass rush. However, a suspension and a difficult injury kept him from making even more of an impact with Kansas City. Omenihu finished his K.C. tenure with 10 sacks, including the playoffs, over the last two years.
Omenihu has also been part of playoff teams in San Francisco and Houston. Even if he is not going to be viewed as a team’s top two pass rusher, Omenihu can be effective via a few different ways. His length and heavy hands are factors that any smart defensive coach can utilize. Meanwhile, Omenihu has improved his pass rush moves during the last few years. He is also versatile along the line of scrimmage to rush from different spots if the team needs it.
With a growing amount of production, Charles Omenihu could be a solid bet for contenders around the league. If you can get him for a full season, he can still elevate a pass rush unit to a slightly new level, at least.
Kansas City Chiefs free agent profile: Charles Omenihu, defensive lineman
Chiefs’ 2024 expectations for Charles Omenihu
First and foremost, the Chiefs were hoping to get Charles Omenihu back to full health. Once he came back from the torn ACL, Kansas City was likely hoping for him to provide some sort of juice to the pass rush late in the season. The team was able to retain Mike Danna in free agency last year. Yet, the pass rush did go through some cold stretches in 2024. Getting Omenihu back when they did could not have been better timing for Kansas City before the playoffs.
How did 2024 season turn out for Charles Omenihu?
Charles Omenihu got back for six total games before the playoffs. Overall, that actual production was up and down in that stretch. He tallied six tackles, one sack, and one quarterback hit during the regular season. Yet, Omenihu did still help out the Chiefs’ pass rush in that six-game run. He opened up more chances and opportunities for others. Namely, George Karlaftis got extremely hot late in the season and entering the playoffs. In the end, Omenihu’s pressures and strip sacks in the playoffs were his greatest moments of impact before the Super Bowl.
Will Charles Omenihu re-sign with Chiefs in 2025?
Given the NFL career of Omenihu so far, it feels like anything is possible in free agency. While he has missed time over the last few years. Omenihu has continued to fine-tune his craft. His role has also continued to grow as his NFL career goes on.
At the same time, this is seen as one of the weaker free agent classes in recent memory, regardless of position. The star power is simply not as vast on the open market. In addition, this year’s defensive line draft class is viewed as extremely deep. That could limit his earning power in free agency. Plus, the Chiefs could use this deep draft class to add younger pieces on the defensive line.
Free agent prediction for Charles Omenihu
Many NFL contenders stand out as potential fits for Charles Omenihu if Kansas City does not bring him back. The style of play and top traits of this defender are facets that playoff teams can utilize in numerous ways. As a result, a team looking to go further in the playoffs could easily view Omenihu as an option who is still in his prime.
The Washington Commanders stand out among NFC contenders. Washington has a lot of their own free agents available. A couple of those are defensive ends who are nearing the end of their NFL careers. With a defensive mind like Dan Quinn, he is someone who may realize what kind of juice Omenihu could add to a defensive line that needs more on the edge. His size and length thresholds likely fit what Quinn has won with recently.
Prediction: Omenihu signs with the Washington Commanders for two years, $18 million.