The Kansas City Chiefs are in need of a veteran edge rusher, and with training camp approaching, they have a few options to consider. While Cameron Jordan has returned to the New Orleans Saints, the team still has three free agents on the market. One name that always comes up is Jadeveon Clowney, but another candidate who has been highlighted by Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports is Derek Barnett.
Barnett, a first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, spent the last three years of his career in the AFC South. He appeared in all 17 games for the Houston Texans in 2025, but didn't start a single one. However, he still managed to record five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and eight tackles for loss. At 30 years old, Barnett is a seasoned veteran who has proven his ability to contribute to a defense.
The Chiefs, known for their success as an underdog, are facing a challenging stretch of games in Weeks 12-18. They will face six potential playoff teams with only three home games. This division would have ranked higher in previous years, but the Chiefs' recent struggles, including the loss of Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending injury, have raised questions about their dominance. The team's performance has been a topic of discussion, with tight end Tre Watson expressing confidence in the team's ability to make a name for itself outside of Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs' tight end room remains unchanged, with Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wiley leading the way. However, the team's focus has shifted to other areas, and the need for a veteran edge rusher is becoming more apparent. With training camp approaching, the Chiefs have a decision to make regarding their defensive rotation and the potential addition of a seasoned player like Derek Barnett.
In other news, the NFL has suspended Dallas' Charles Snowden for the first three games of the 2026 season due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy stemming from a DUI in 2024. Meanwhile, the investigation into a dispute between Smith and a woman at his home in Davie, Florida, has been declared inactive with no charges brought forward. The NFL's focus on player conduct and the Chiefs' search for a veteran edge rusher continue to be key topics in the league.
