Charles Omenihu enjoyed a successful first season in Kansas City when on the field. His availability was hindered at the start of the year due to a six-game suspension and in the Super Bowl due to an ACL tear, but his level of play in between likely helped his market value.
As a result, the fifth-year defensive end is eyeing an extension, Adam La Rose of Pro Football Rumors reports. One year remains on his current deal, though, and he is due $7.4 million in 2024 with a scheduled cap hit of $10.97 million. A key factor in any negotiations will be his recovery from his ACL tear, which occurred in the AFC title game. Omenihu recently acknowledged on social media that he might need to repeat his 2023 production to land a new pact.
The former Texan and 49er posted seven sacks in 11 regular season contests during his debut Chiefs campaign. He added a strip-sack in the AFC Championship Game before suffering the injury which sidelined for the Super Bowl, demonstrating his value as pass-rush option to complement the interior pressure generated by Chris Jones. When asked about the possibility of an extension, Omenihu confirmed he feels he earned a new agreement.
“I think I did, to be honest,” the 26-year-old said during an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football. “Like you said, seven sacks in 11 games and then the sack in the championship game to kind of spark off the wave of defensive plays. Finished second on the team in sacks and didn’t have the first six games to catch up with George [Karlaftis] and Chris [Jones]. I think I did, I think the tape speaks for itself.”
Of course, the defending champions have more pressing matters to attend to on the defensive side of the ball. Jones is once again a pending free agent, and his play after the end of his 2023 hold-out further cemented his value to the Chiefs. Meanwhile, standout corner L’Jarius Sneed is set to receive the franchise tag and he could be traded if talks on a long-term pact do not pan out. Sorting out both Jones and Sneed’s futures will be critical in advance of free agency.
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