Why Chiefs’ latest DE move should catch Bengals’ attention

The Kansas City Chiefs are loading up for the 2026 season. After an extremely disappointing season that saw them miss the postseason completely, the former champions are looking to get their revenge on the league. Their first moves came in the NFL Draft, where they picked up a few rookies to help bolster their lineup.

The Chiefs are now working on signing these rookies to their new deals. In particular, second-round draft pick and defensive end Mason Thomas was signed to his rookie contract. With Kansas City’s struggles with its defensive line last season, the team is hoping that Thomas becomes an important member of their team in 2026.

This move is important, not only for Kansas City, but also for the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati’s second-round draft pick, DE Cashius Howell, was drafted one spot above the Chiefs. Most importantly, Howell is yet to sign his contract with the Bengals. Thomas signing his own contract might be the catalyst to a potential deal between Howell and Cincy.

The Chiefs also used the Bengals to address their pass-rush woes this offseason. Kansas City signed former Cincinnati pass-rusher Joseph Ossai to a deal in free agency. Ossai might be a name familiar to Chiefs fans, as the pass-rusher was responsible for the illegal contact call in the 2022 AFC Championship Game that sent Kansas City to the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs’ first two picks in the 2026 draft were in the first round. They prioritized defense with their picks, taking LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the seventh overall pick after trading up with the Cleveland Browns and Clemson DT Peter Woods late in the first round. Their defense was an issue last season, struggling to keep up against their opponents despite standout performances from other players.

Kansas City is looking forward to the return of Patrick Mahomes to its roster. Mahomes tore his ACL midway through the 2025 season, forcing the superstar quarterback to miss most of the year. With the former MVP back on the roster, just how far will the former titans of the sport go?

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