Chiefs Reportedly Make Contract Decision on Felix Anudike-Uzomah's $14.5M 5th-Year Option

Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah will head into the 2026 campaign on an expiring contract after missing the entire 2025 season with a hamstring injury.

The Chiefs have declined the $14.5 million fifth-year option on the Anudike-Uzomah's rookie contract, via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Anudike-Uzomah is now set to hit free agency ahead of his age-25 season in 2027.

A first-round selection in the 2023 draft, Anudike-Uzomah appeared in every regular season game but saw limited playing time for the Chiefs during his first two seasons.

Although he contributed a tackle for loss on Christian McCaffrey during the Chiefs' overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, Anudike-Uzomah continued to see limited usage during his second NFL campaign.

Anudike-Uzomah finished the 2024 season having played 31 percent of the Chiefs' defensive snaps while recording 2.5 sacks, 27 tackles (six for loss), seven quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a fumble return.

The first unofficial depth chart released by the Chiefs in early August listed Anudike-Uzomah as a third-string defensive end behind 2025 second-rounder Ashton Gillotte, calling into question whether he could expect more playing time in his third season.

He ultimately didn't get the chance to find out. Anudike-Uzomah suffered a hamstring injury during an Aug. 15 preseason game and was placed on season-ending injured reserve three days later.

Starter George Karlaftis remains under contract through 2030, although Mike Danna was released earlier this offseason. Anudike-Uzomah may still have to compete with Gillotte for playing time once he is able to rejoin the team.