The Kansas City Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions and will have their work cut out for them to defend that title. The team suffered numerous losses in free agency, as players branched out for paydays and larger roles with teams around the league.
One of the positions that the Chiefs are going to have multiple changes at is the defensive line. Veteran Frank Clark was released after a restructured contract couldn’t be agreed upon between both sides. Khalen Saunders was one of the free agent losses, as he signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The team will now be relying on free agent signing Charles Omenihu and youngsters to fill the void on the defensive front. 2022 first-round pick George Karlaftis and 2023 first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah will also factor into the mix as the Chiefs usher in a new era on their defense.
As the team prepares for training camp, it would not be surprising if they add some more depth to the mix. Brad Spielberger of PFF has suggested that they make a move, but veteran defensive tackle William Gholston is mentioned as a possible target in free agency.
“Gholston is a seasoned veteran who has played at least 400 snaps in nine consecutive seasons. He can bring experience to a new regime while providing a consistent presence in base personnel on early downs. In 2022, Gholston had 22 defensive stops and missed on just 3.9% of tackle opportunities.
We discussed extending Chris Jones here, and as Kansas City works through that monster deal, they should reinforce the interior unit alongside him.”
Chris Jones is an all-world defensive tackle and will likely sign a deal in line with the other massive contracts handed out at the position this offseason. But, the depth around him is thin, so bringing in a veteran of Gholston’s caliber would make a lot of sense.
As Spielberger notes, Gholston has been a reliable, steady producer over the last few seasons. He hasn’t missed a game since 2017 and has spent his entire 10-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but with the team in a bit of a rebuild, Gholston is likely looking for a new opportunity elsewhere.
The Chiefs would be a great fit for him as he can thrive in a rotational role behind Jones. He would bring championship experience along with him as well, as the Chiefs’ aspirations to contend this season wouldn’t phase him at all after spending the last three seasons with Tom Brady.
