Remember how Charles Omenihu faced a season-ending ACL injury in last year’s AFC Championship win over the Baltimore Ravens? Owing to this, he missed a second consecutive Super Bowl and a major part of the 2024 season. It was a loss for the Chiefs, too, because Omenihu, when healthy, can be a major disruptor for their opponents, but didn’t get the opportunity to showcase it. No wonder he had been hinting for months that he wanted to stay with the team but in Feb., when Kay Adams mentioned in their interview that he was “not a Chief” anymore as he didn’t have a contract, he pushed back saying, “The new league year hasn’t started, so I’m still a Chief. Go Chiefs.”
The Chiefs were on the same page as on March 20, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported: “Source: DE Charles Omenihu is returning to the Chiefs on a 1-year deal worth a maximum of $7 million.” The team’s decision to retain him makes all the more sense considering they lost defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton.
Now, a week later, the Chiefs announced on Instagram, “On the DL, we’ve re-signed @comenihu 🤫 Welcome back!” With a deal secure, what does the player have to say about it? In the clip posted by the Chiefs, he stated:
Omenihu’s best season with the Chiefs came two years ago in their run to Super Bowl LVIII. He played just 11 games and racked up 28 total tackles and 7 sacks to his name. But after his ACL injury, Omenihu couldn’t play in Super Bowl LVIII against the 49ers. With the pain of not being there to celebrate Super Bowl success, Omenihu somehow returned in 2024, and the Chiefs witnessed a boost in their pass rush.
He went on to play only six regular-season games, recording one sack. So, even after a disappointing season because of injuries suffered last year, Omenihu will be heading to his 8th NFL season as a Chief (his third season with the team). Still only 27, the Chiefs DL, of course, has a lot ahead of him. Combining with Chris Jones on the Chiefs‘ defensive line, with no Wharton to compete with, Omenihu will have a wonderful opportunity to showcase his true worth to the Chiefs Kingdom.
Perhaps Omenihu could be the starter in 2025. The last time he played a full season was in 2022 when he was with the San Francisco 49ers. But now that he is healthy again, 2025 could prove to be big if he banks on the opportunities offered to him. And it seems that’s exactly what he has on his mind. You see, on March 26, he took to X and promised: “Give me a full season to do this right and see what the results are. Appreciate those who don’t believe and those who do.”
While the Chiefs were busy securing the services of Omenihu, their new QB in town has made some plans. And hearing those plans will probably give the Chiefs Kingdom a soothing feeling about their QB room.
Gardner Minshew spills his true intentions for the upcoming season
See, Gardner Minshew is all too familiar with a QB battle. Having already lost one in Las Vegas, his role in Kansas City is just to be a backup to three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. After signing with the Chiefs earlier this month, Minshew laid out his plans for the upcoming season. “If there’s any way, I can help this team, whether it’s from the scout team, helping Pat in meetings, whether it’s just bringing the good energy to practice. I look forward to just doing whatever I can to contribute and help this team win.” Honestly, for the last seven years, whatever Minshew said actually happened in Kansas City.
Backups to Mahomes (who has only missed two regular-season games in his whole NFL career) were there to be in meetings, take notes, and offer verbal support. And you know the most important part of their reign in Kansas City? Those occasional mop-up duties in Week 18 when the Chiefs had already secured their postseason status. Last season, Carson Wentz started in place of Mahomes in their week 18 game against the Broncos. Prior to that, Blaine Gabbert also appeared for a season finale cameo against the Chargers.
But for Minshew, Kansas was attractive because of Reid. “I’ve always been a huge fan of coach Reid’s offenses. I’ve always felt that that was something I could do well in.” So, it wouldn’t be a total surprise if Minshew’s job is to help Mahomes’ game instead of taking his place. After all, it’s the three-time Super Bowl Champion he is playing backup to.
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