Kansas City is moving aggressively to reshape its roster, and the latest defensive additions could give quarterback Patrick Mahomes renewed confidence as the Chiefs attempt to return to contention.
The franchise has prioritized strengthening its defense in free agency, beginning with the signing of veteran safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year contract worth $24.75 million, including $15 million guaranteed.
Gilman, 28, emerged as a stabilizing presence last season after joining the Baltimore Ravens in October, helping organize the secondary and allowing star safety Kyle Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
Once Gilman arrived, Baltimore’s defense tightened considerably, conceding an average of just 18.4 points per game, and his presence quickly elevated the group’s communication and coverage discipline.
One of his most memorable moments came during a December shutout victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, when linebacker Kyle Van Noy intercepted Joe Burrow and lateraled the ball to Gilman, who sprinted 84 yards for a defensive touchdown.
The play highlighted Gilman’s instincts and awareness, traits that have defined his career since entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.
Across his time with both the Chargers and Ravens, Gilman has compiled 320 tackles, five interceptions, 27 passes defended, five forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries, demonstrating steady production in the secondary.
Kansas City also reinforced the defensive front by signing defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to a three-year contract valued at $21 million, including $14 million guaranteed, further strengthening the interior line.
Tonga, 29, stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 335 pounds, providing a powerful presence in the middle of the defensive line, where his ability to clog rushing lanes and collapse pockets adds physicality to the Chiefs’ front.
Last season with the New England Patriots, Tonga served as a rotational lineman behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, appearing in 14 regular-season games and contributing in key moments during the playoffs.
Though he played just 32 percent of the defensive snaps, Tonga still recorded 24 tackles, two quarterback hits and two passes defended, while adding seven tackles and a sack during postseason action.
These defensive signings suggest the Kansas City Chiefs are attempting to restore the balance that defined their championship teams, easing pressure on Mahomes by building a deeper and more reliable roster.
Chiefs transform offense with Walker signing
Kansas City has also made a major move on offense by securing running back Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP from the Seattle Seahawks, in a three-year deal worth $43.05 million.
Walker’s arrival addresses one of the Chiefs’ most glaring weaknesses, as the team struggled to generate explosive rushing plays last season and relied heavily on Mahomes to carry the offense.
The former Seattle star showed elite playmaking ability even behind inconsistent blocking, forcing 61 missed tackles last season and producing ten rushes that gained at least 20 yards.
Drafted in the second round out of Michigan State in 2022, Walker surpassed 1,100 scrimmage yards and scored nine touchdowns in each of his first two seasons, proving himself a consistent offensive weapon.
Durability questions followed him earlier in his career after injuries limited his availability, yet he answered those concerns in 2025 by staying healthy throughout the entire season.
That year proved to be Walker’s most productive campaign, totaling 1,309 scrimmage yards while averaging 4.6 yards per carry, both personal bests as he shared carries with Zach Charbonnet.
His performances improved even further late in the year, with his yards-per-carry jumping from 4.4 during the first 15 weeks to 5.9 across the final three regular-season games.
Walker carried that momentum into the playoffs, eventually taking over as Seattle’s primary running back and delivering 417 scrimmage yards with four touchdowns in three postseason appearances.
His defining moment came in the Super Bowl against the Patriots, when he totaled 161 yards on 29 touches and became the first running back since Terrell Davis nearly three decades earlier to win Super Bowl MVP.
Meanwhile, Kansas City retained another key offensive weapon, as veteran tight end Travis Kelce agreed to return for his 14th season on a contract worth $12 million with a maximum value of $15 million.
Even at age 36, Kelce remained the centerpiece of the passing game last season, leading the team in targets, receptions, yards, touchdowns and receiving first downs.
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