Chiefs Update: Turk Wharton Extends Contract for Another Year in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs solidify their defensive line by retaining Pennel and Wharton.
The Kansas City Chiefs are making moves to retain key players this week, with their latest move bolstering their defensive line, which faced potential departures this offseason.
Reported by NFL journalist Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs have secured Tershawn “Turk” Wharton on a one-year contract valued at a maximum of $2.5 million.
Wharton, along with teammates Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Chris Jones, was set to enter free agency. Initially, Neil Farrell and Matt Dickerson were the only defensive tackles with significant playing time remaining on the roster.
Before the onset of free agency, the Chiefs secured Jones on a new five-year deal. Following this, they focused on roster adjustments, including minor signings such as tight end Irv Smith Jr., long snapper James Winchester, and defensive tackle Mike Pennel.
Wharton, an undrafted free agent from Missouri S&T in 2020, proved his worth to the Chiefs by making both the preseason and active rosters as a rookie, appearing in every game since. Over the past four seasons, he has consistently contributed, playing between 37 to 48 percent of all defensive snaps.
With the re-signing of Pennel and Wharton, the Chiefs now possess a rotational lineup including Matt Dickerson and Neil Farrell for the interior defensive line. Further reinforcements for the defensive front are anticipated as the offseason progresses.
