Chiefs $16 Million Starter Takes Issue With Contract: ‘I Should Be Paid More’

Chiefs $16 Million Starter Takes Issue With Contract: ‘I Should Be Paid More’

Charles Omenihu, a Kansas City Chiefs defensive end who is one year into a two-year, $16 million contract, told Inside Texas’ Justin Wells that he believes he is not being paid fairly.

“The main reason I keep a chip on my shoulder now is that I believe I should be paid more,” Omenihu remarked on February 26. “I feel like I should be included, but not in the same context as Myles Garrett or Bosa. Maybe not in that discussion, but the second-tier guys? What about the following tier? Certainly, I should participate in that discussion.”

Omenihu made similar comments when he joined the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” crew on Monday.

“I think I did, to be honest,” Omenihu remarked when asked if he believes he has done enough to earn a new contract. “As you mentioned, seven sacks in 11 games, followed by the sack in the championship game to set off a wave of defensive plays. Finished second on the team in sacks despite not having the first six games to catch up with George [Karlaftis] and Chris [Jones]. I think I did, and I believe the tape speaks for itself. I believe I shown dominant run play and then with the pass rush, both inside and outside, and simply winning one-on-ones, creating turnovers, being the spark and, like, the energy plays they wanted me to be when I arrived.”

When healthy, Omenihu’s performance outweighs his contract’s $8 million average annual value (AAV).

Omenihu recorded 29 total quarterback pressures (17 hurries, 7 sacks, 5 hits), 13 stops, and 2 caused fumbles in 11 regular season games in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. In three playoff games, he had eight total quarterback pressures (7 hurries, 1 sack), one stop, and one forced fumble.

Charles Omenihu needs to get healthy first.

Omenihu’s desire for more pay is complicated by his current state of health.

Omenihu suffered a ruptured ACL in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. Though he was convinced he would be ready for the 2024 Super Bowl, subsequent tests proved Omenihu tore his ACL and could not play  in the Super Bowl. He underwent surgery for his torn ACL on February 20, per NFL Media’s James Palmer.

Omenihu is projected to miss some of the 2024 season due to the recuperation time for that type of injury.

The best ability is availability, which is why Omenihu does not deserve a new contract until he returns in 2024 and demonstrates that he can still be a valuable member of Kansas City’s defense. At that point, the Chiefs might choose to pay him what he’s worth, or Omenihu could return to free agency and earn a large salary in 2025.

Charles Omenihu Issues Message Following Surgery

On February 23, Omenihu addressed his critics using X, formerly Twitter.

“I enjoy seeing other people try to predict when I’ll recover from something. Or what kind of gamer am I am,” he wrote. “I would think after this year people would stop second guessing me but guess not. I keep all receipts though.”

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