Kansas City Adds Defensive Line Depth With Charles Omenihu

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The Kansas City Chiefs made their second outside free agent addition on Tuesday evening. Defensive lineman Charles Omenihu has signed a two-year contract with the Chiefs. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, this deal holds a max value of $20 million in total.

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A former Texas Longhorn, Omenihu was a 2019 fifth-round pick of the Houston Texans. He lasted two and a half seasons there before joining a better situation with the San Francisco 49ers. After San Francisco acquired him via trade, Omenihu began to show some improvement as a pass rusher. He had 4.5 sacks with the 49ers last season. To boot, Omenihu had a combined seven sacks in the first two seasons of his career.

What kind of skill set are the Chiefs getting from Charles Omenihu? How does this signing impact Kansas City’s offseason moving forward? Let’s kick it off.

Pass Rush Juice

If you look simply at the box score, Charles Omenihu will not blow you away. However, this is a player that has continued to get better. That is especially true, as a pass rusher. His long strides, first-step quickness and generally hot motor can put offensive linemen in binds. Omenihu is seemingly able to condense his dense frame and reduce rush angles. It is probably no coincidence that he saw a jump in pass rush results with the 49ers, of all teams.

Overall, the defensive coaching staff of Kansas City has clung to defenders like this. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves defensive linemen that offer heavy hands, length and density. Omenihu checks those boxes immediately. Elsewhere, defensive line coach Joe Cullen was able to give the Chiefs a boost with working more efficiently as pass rushers. For Charles Omenihu, the quickness that he brings, along with his frame makes this seem like a classic Kansas City target. He simply adds a sense of urgency and juice as a rotational pass rusher.

Chiefs Are Able To Be Flexible

Yes, the Chiefs still have some needs to address this offseason. But in the two days of the legal tampering period, you have to be encouraged with the direction that Kansas City has taken. The roster construction has always been keen on beefing up the trenches. So, it should not be too surprising that they looked to fill offensive tackle and defensive line needs early.

Both Jawaan Taylor and Charles Omenihu are youthful injections into the roster, for all intents and purposes. General manager Brett Veach is not going to bring in too many guys that are on the right side of 30, at least in the first wave of free agency. And for someone like Omenihu, his contract is extremely reasonable from a value standpoint, given he is more of a rotational, depth defender.

Surely, the Chiefs can still add another offensive tackle and more pass rushers in free agency. Kansas City has already filled two of their three biggest areas of need, however. Veach and his staff has done an amazing job of giving themselves flexibility entering the most recent NFL Drafts.

At the same time, Kansas City has absolutely crushed the last two drafts, in terms of finding immediate contributors. The Chiefs have now provided themselves with ample flexibility for building the roster at positions of need. Simply put, it will be fascinating to see what areas receive larger gambles versus receiving more savvy, cost effective additions.

Important Off-Field Note

It is important to note that there is an off-field situation to keep in mind, regarding Charles Omenihu. He was arrested nearly two months ago on suspicion of domestic violence. According to Angelina Martin of NBC Sports, he was booked into the Santa Clara County jail for misdemeanor domestic violence and posted bail thereafter. A few days later, Omenihu did end up playing in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

You have to think that the Chiefs have done their due diligence on this matter. The legal process will take care of itself, if necessary. It would not be at all surprising if Charles Omenihu did somehow receive a suspension. The only reason that comes to mind, is because of what happened with two Kansas City defenders last season.

Eventually, the NFL handed down suspensions to Willie Gay and Frank Clark, stemming from past off-field matters. They were each forced to miss some games in the 2022 regular season. Possibly, the Chiefs locker room and coaching staff could provide a sound sense of support as Charles Omenihu moves forward.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.