🚨 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS’ OFFSEASON MOVES: Will Brett Veach Find a Solution to the Pass Rush Dilemma? Fans Have Their Eyes on One Key Target👇

As the Super Bowl fades into memory, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason officially begins. And with it, general manager Brett Veach faces an offseason full of tough decisions. Coming off a frustrating 2025 season, where the Chiefs faced multiple hurdles, it’s clear that the team must make significant changes if they’re going to contend for another championship.

The Chiefs’ defense, in particular, has areas that need immediate attention, and the biggest question mark lies in their pass rush. Despite a strong defensive line, Kansas City recorded just 35.0 sacks last season, ranking among the bottom tier in the NFL. This marked a major drop in production for a defense that has been known for its disruptive edge rushers in recent years.

The pass rush problem was particularly glaring last season. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones continued to shine as the team’s most consistent threat, but he was often left carrying the load. Unfortunately, George Karlaftis, a promising young pass rusher, experienced a significant regression. His play, once seen as a key piece of the Chiefs’ future defensive line, became a cause for concern, especially with his $88 million extension looming.

It’s clear that the Chiefs can’t afford to waste another season relying solely on Jones to be the team’s primary disruptor. That’s where Joseph Ossai comes in — and it’s no surprise that he has emerged as one of the most intriguing free agent targets for the Chiefs this offseason.

Joseph Ossai: A Top Pass Rush Option for Kansas City

After a productive four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Joseph Ossai is set to hit the open market in March. Throughout his time with the Bengals, Ossai has consistently been a force on the field, particularly when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks. His potential to add depth and explosive playmaking to the Chiefs’ pass rush should make him a top target for Veach and the Chiefs’ front office.

Ossai’s journey to becoming a starter has been one of growth and improvement. After spending his first two seasons as a backup, Ossai finally earned a starting role in 2025. This change in responsibilities paid off in a big way. In his first season as a full-time starter, Ossai racked up five sacks, 21 solo tackles, and forced two fumbles. He played in 14 games, starting in nine, and made an impact on every down.

His 616 defensive snaps in 2025 marked a career high, and the increase in playing time was evident in his performance. Ossai also set a personal best in pressures, recording 43 across 375 pass-rushing downs. According to Pro Football Focus, this means that nearly 12% of his pass-rushing opportunities ended in pressure, a significant improvement over his previous rate of just 8.9% in 2024.

What Makes Ossai a Perfect Fit for the Chiefs?

Ossai’s success in 2025 demonstrated that he is ready to take on a larger role and could be primed for even greater success in the right system. For the Chiefs, that system could be the perfect environment for Ossai to continue his growth.

At just 26 years old (his birthday falls in April), Ossai has plenty of room to develop further. Given his youth, he could offer the Chiefs years of quality pass-rushing talent, especially when paired with a veteran like Chris Jones. The potential for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense to elevate Ossai’s play is real, and the addition of a motivated young player could be the boost that the Chiefs’ defense needs.

His fit with Kansas City is even more compelling when considering the Chiefs’ current roster. With veteran defensive linemen like Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi, and Charles Omenihu set to become free agents in the coming months, the Chiefs’ defensive line could undergo a major overhaul. The team could inject some much-needed youth and speed into the pass rush, and Ossai would be the perfect candidate to fill that role.

Additionally, adding a player of Ossai’s caliber could help put pressure on George Karlaftis to step up his game. The competition for snaps would undoubtedly drive Karlaftis to perform at a higher level, especially if he finds himself at risk of losing playing time.

The Financials: Can the Chiefs Afford Ossai?

Of course, signing a player of Ossai’s caliber isn’t without its challenges. According to Spotrac’s projections, Ossai is expected to command a market value of around $9.2 million per year. For a player of his potential, this figure is fair, but it also presents a significant financial obstacle for the Chiefs, who are projected to be over $54 million above the salary cap for the 2026 season.

However, the situation is not hopeless. The NFL salary cap is expected to rise by $26.5 million, and the Chiefs have options to clear more space. They can restructure or cut high-priced contracts, giving them more flexibility to bring in free agents like Ossai. While this may require some creativity on Veach’s part, the potential rewards for adding a player of Ossai’s talent could be well worth the financial maneuvering required.

The Chiefs Can’t Afford Another Pass Rush Drought

The Chiefs’ defense is already a unit with immense potential, but if they are going to seriously compete for a Super Bowl in the near future, they need to be better at getting to the quarterback. Last year’s lack of pressure was one of the biggest reasons why the defense struggled to contain high-powered offenses.

With Chris Jones still a dominant force on the inside and a promising pass rusher like Ossai on the outside, the Chiefs could have a more balanced and lethal defensive line heading into the 2026 season.

Veach’s work in the offseason will be critical, and finding a way to land Ossai could be one of his most important moves. Whether through a well-structured contract or through other roster moves, the Chiefs must find a way to add a young, talented pass rusher who can complement Jones and help elevate the defense to the next level.

This offseason is a crucial time for the Chiefs. The pass rush can’t be a weak point in back-to-back seasons. It’s time for Brett Veach and the Chiefs to work their magic and get Joseph Ossai to Kansas City before another team beats them to the punch.

The Chiefs’ championship window is wide open, and adding Ossai could be the final piece they need to ensure their defense is as fearsome as their offense.