Chiefs Could Benefit from Trading Former 1st-Round Pick

Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah has struggled to live up to expectations since being drafted in 2023.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs could look to trade 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who has failed to make a significant impact in his first two NFL seasons. Anudike-Uzomah, a defensive end from nearby Lee's Summit, Missouri, was the Chiefs' first-round selection in 2023 but has recorded just 2.5 sacks and three starts so far. With one year left on his rookie deal, the Chiefs could look to recoup some draft capital by trading the 24-year-old pass-rusher.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have struggled to hit on first-round picks under general manager Brett Veach, with only cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis emerging as clear successes from the last five drafts. Anudike-Uzomah's lack of production has been a disappointment, and the Chiefs could look to move on and acquire additional draft picks to help bolster their roster.

The details

Anudike-Uzomah, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end, was the 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Kansas State. However, he has failed to make a significant impact with the Chiefs, playing sparingly as a rookie in 2023 and recording just 2.5 sacks with three starts in 2024. An injury-plagued 2025 season further derailed his development, and he now finds himself fourth on the Chiefs' depth chart behind George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, and Ashton Gillotte.

  • Anudike-Uzomah was drafted by the Chiefs in the first round (31st overall) in 2023.
  • In the 2024 season, Anudike-Uzomah had 2.5 sacks and three starts.
  • Anudike-Uzomah suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason on August 15, 2025, ending his junior campaign.
  • NFL teams have until May 1, 2024, to exercise fifth-year options on players selected in the 2023 first round.

The players

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2018, who has struggled to hit on first-round picks during his tenure.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah

A 24-year-old defensive end from Lee's Summit, Missouri, who was the Chiefs' first-round pick in 2023 but has failed to live up to expectations.

George Karlaftis

A defensive end drafted by the Chiefs in the first round in 2022, who has emerged as a marquee player for the team.

Mike Danna

A defensive end on the Chiefs' roster who is currently ahead of Anudike-Uzomah on the depth chart.

Ashton Gillotte

A defensive end on the Chiefs' roster who is currently ahead of Anudike-Uzomah on the depth chart.

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What they’re saying

“Anudike-Uzomah has not come close to living up to his potential as a first-round pick for the Chiefs. He barely played in his rookie year in 2023 and had just 2.5 sacks with three starts in his sophomore campaign.”

— Aaron Schatz, Respected observer (si.com)

“At best, he is fourth on the Chiefs' depth chart, behind George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and Ashton Gillotte. With one year remaining on his rookie deal, perhaps a trade would allow Anudike-Uzomah to finally find the potential that teams saw when he came out of Kansas State.”

— Aaron Schatz, Respected observer (si.com)

What’s next

The Chiefs have until May 1, 2024, to decide whether to exercise Anudike-Uzomah's fifth-year option, which could impact their decision on whether to trade him.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' struggles to hit on first-round picks under GM Brett Veach have continued with Anudike-Uzomah, and the team may look to recoup some draft capital by trading the underperforming defensive end. This move could help the Chiefs address other roster needs and continue their quest for sustained success.