As the 2025 NFL offseason unfolds, the Kansas City Chiefs are making strategic moves to enhance their roster, securing deals with free agents Jaylon Moore and Kristian Fulton. To accommodate these additions, Kansas City restructured contracts for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive lineman Chris Jones, generating nearly $50 million in salary cap space. This financial maneuvering allows the team to remain competitive without jeopardizing their long-term commitments.

With Mahomes locked in until 2031 and Jones until 2028, the Chiefs' adjustments are a calculated effort to provide immediate flexibility in their salary cap. Before these restructures, the team was projected to exceed the salary cap by over $19 million, threatening the signing of new contracts. Mahomes' contract, initially set to impact the cap by $28 million, and Jones' $23.6 million were essential points of negotiation in this financial strategy.

The Washington Commanders are eyeing defensive line reinforcements as they enter the free agency season. With the legal tampering period commencing, Tershawn Wharton of the Kansas City Chiefs is emerging as a potential target. However, concerns about Wharton's performance metrics must be noted; his 7% pass rush win rate places him 34th among his peers, and factors such as playing alongside Chris Jones may skew his sack statistics.

Wharton’s inflated sack totals could mislead potential suitors, especially considering his underwhelming run stop rate of just 29%. The Commanders must act quickly if they want to secure him amid competition from other teams. Meanwhile, recent moves involving linebacker Bobby Wagner highlight the team's proactive approach to revamping their roster.

Chris Jones remains a powerhouse in the NFL, leading all interior defenders with 88 pressures in the 2024 season while achieving an impressive 91.5 PFF pass-rush grade, despite securing only seven sacks. His performance significantly contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs reaching a third consecutive AFC Championship. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Cameron Heyward stood out for the Pittsburgh Steelers with a remarkable 10 sacks and a career-high pass-rush grade of 85.9. Dexter Lawrence proved to be a key player for the New York Giants, earning high grades in both run-defense and pass-rush despite injuries.

Other notable defenders included Leonard Williams and Poona Ford, who made significant impacts for their teams, while veteran Calais Campbell, now 38, demonstrated remarkable endurance with top-tier run-defense metrics. The depth of talent among interior defenders is highlighted by the performances of DeForest Buckner and Michael Pierce, both of whom maintained solid grades despite facing injury setbacks. As we look towards the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the focus on these defenders underscores their importance in shaping the league.

The Kansas City Chiefs face a challenging offseason with multiple players, including Tershawn Wharton, hitting the free agency market. Wharton, who has spent five years with the team, is coming off a career-best season, drawing interest from various teams. While the Chiefs may have ambitions to retain him, the growing competition for his services diminishes those prospects. With fellow defenders George Karlaftis and Chris Jones still on the roster, Wharton’s future remains uncertain. His case parallels that of L’Jarius Sneed, whose strong performance diminished after leaving Kansas City. As several key players, including Derrick Nnadi and Marlon Tuipulotu, are also set to depart, concerns about the Chiefs' defensive depth surface. Coach Steve Spagnuolo's previous success in maximizing player potential offers some optimism, yet the path ahead for the Chiefs’ defense remains to be seen.