Chiefs decline to exercise fifth-year option for Felix Anudike-Uzomah

TL;DR

The Kansas City Chiefs have declined to exercise the fifth-year option for defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, which would have guaranteed a $14.5 million salary in 2027. This decision makes him an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.

Key points

Chiefs declined fifth-year option for Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Option would have guaranteed $14.5 million salary in 2027
Anudike-Uzomah becomes unrestricted free agent after 2026 season

Kansas City ChiefsFelix Anudike-UzomahSeattle SeahawksPittsburgh Steelers

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Felix Anudike-Uzomah #97 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images The deadline for NFL teams to make a decision on whether to offer the fifth-year option to their first-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft was Friday, May 1. The Kansas City Chiefs selected defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah from Kansas State with pick 31 in that draft, and on Friday, it was revealed that the Chiefs will decline to exercise that option that would fully guarantee a $14.5 million salary in 2027 (per *OverTheCap*). It sets up Anudike-Uzomah to be an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 season at 25 years old. The news comes after Anudike-Uzomah spent the 2025 season sidelined with a “strained right hamstring” he suffered during the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. It also comes a week after the team drafted from Oklahoma with pick 40 in this year’s draft, although Thomas , according to *The Athletic’s* Jesse Newell. In two seasons of NFL action, Anudike-Uzomah has started three games and has three sacks. He has 41 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. The highlight of his career came on a sack against the on Christmas Day, 2024. Even with the unlikelihood of being cut, , he will have a lot to prove this offseason to even get another shot at playing for the Chiefs’ defense. With the anticipation of a veteran signing, there’s a chance Anudike-Uzomah is squeezed out of the defensive line rotation if he has not developed further behind the scenes.

Q&A

Why did the Chiefs decline Felix Anudike-Uzomah's fifth-year option?

The Chiefs declined the option likely due to Anudike-Uzomah's limited performance and a season-ending injury in 2025.

What are the implications of Felix Anudike-Uzomah becoming an unrestricted free agent?

As an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season, Anudike-Uzomah will have the opportunity to sign with any NFL team.

What were Felix Anudike-Uzomah's stats during his time with the Chiefs?

In two seasons, Anudike-Uzomah recorded three sacks, 41 total tackles, and two forced fumbles.