Chiefs Cut Charles Omenihu to Restructure, Citing Injury Concerns

Kansas City, MO – March 6, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs have severed ties with defensive end Charles Omenihu, releasing him on March 6, 2025, as part of a broader effort to restructure their roster following a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The move, which saves $8.5 million in cap space (Over The Cap), reflects growing concerns over Omenihu’s injury history and aligns with a strategic pivot toward youth and flexibility after a season where Patrick Mahomes absorbed a career-high 47 sacks. For Chiefs Kingdom, it’s a decision that stirs both pragmatism and regret.

Omenihu, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal in 2023, was a force when healthy—amassing 11 sacks and 4 forced fumbles across 27 games (PFF). His 7 sacks in 2023, including a strip-sack on Lamar Jackson in the AFC Championship, and a gritty Super Bowl LVIII sack despite a torn ACL, cemented his value. Yet, that injury sidelined him until mid-2024, limiting him to 10 games (projected) with 5 sacks in 2024-2025. In Super Bowl LIX, his reduced snap count (36% per PFF) couldn’t halt the Eagles’ 150+ rushing yards, raising doubts about his durability at 28.

With only $11.5 million in cap space, Chiefs GM Brett Veach faced a crunch. Retaining Trey Smith at $23.4 million via franchise tag and Chris Jones’ looming $34 million cap hit left little room for Omenihu’s $8.5 million hit—especially with his ACL recovery casting a shadow. Trading Joe Thuney to the Bears already signaled a rebuild; cutting Omenihu doubles down, opening funds for a younger pass rusher like Abdul Carter or a veteran free agent. Bryan Cook’s rise at safety further eases the defensive burden.

Fan reactions on X capture the split: joy at cap relief, sorrow for losing a clutch performer. As the Chiefs eye 2025, Omenihu’s exit—driven by restructuring needs and injury risks—marks a calculated gamble. Will it pay off, or haunt a D-line in flux?