As the NFL Draft approaches, Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach is fine-tuning his roster for another championship run. In a recent pre-draft press conference, Veach highlighted two crucial defensive free agent signings aimed at solidifying the back end of the defense and fortifying the trenches.

Addressing the safety position, Veach emphasized the importance of a cerebral leader on the field. "Having a player like Alohi Gilman, who sees the field and can get everyone lined up, was a priority for us," Veach explained. He drew a direct line to the successful leadership previously provided by stars like Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid, noting that Gilman fits that exact mold. The Chiefs secured Gilman on a three-year, $24.75 million deal after he posted 90 tackles last season split between the Chargers and Ravens.

Shifting focus to the defensive line, Veach was candid about the need for depth, especially with young talent like Omarr Norman-Lott coming off an injury. "We knew we needed two more pieces there," he stated. The signing of defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to a three-year, $21 million contract addresses part of that need. Veach praised Tonga as an athletic nose tackle with pass-rush ability, coming off a season with the Patriots where he recorded 24 tackles. However, Veach made it clear that even with this addition, the defensive line remains a "definite position of need" heading into the draft.

With the 2026 NFL Draft set to begin in Pittsburgh on April 23rd, these strategic signings show the Chiefs are proactively building a defense designed to maintain their dynasty status, ensuring they enter the selection process from a position of strength.