Jones recorded 29 tackles (15 solo), including 7.0 sacks, and two passes defended across 17 games with Kansas City during the 2025 campaign.
Jones had one of the least productive seasons of his career, as his 29 tackles marked his lowest total since 2021, when he missed three games. However, despite the dip in production, the 2016 second-round pick still managed to lead the team in sacks once again. Jones will look to bounce back and help the Chiefs return to the playoffs during the 2026 campaign.
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Chiefs' Bryan Cook: Another solid season in 2025
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Cook recorded 85 tackles (50 solo) and six passes defensed in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025.
After emerging as a starter last season, Cook remained one of the Chiefs' top producers in their defensive backfield in 2025, notching new career highs in total tackles and in passes defensed. It might have been a bit disappointing that he could not come away with any interceptions, but he almost certainly did enough in the final year of his rookie deal to earn a second NFL contract and a big raise, whether that be in Kansas City or elsewhere. He is currently on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
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Chiefs' George Karlaftis: Posts career-high stops in 2025
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Karlaftis accumulated 48 tackles (25 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass defenses and one fumble recovery across 16 games in 2025 with the Chiefs.
The fourth-year pro looked like he was on his way to a career year after opening the season with 4.5 sacks and 20 combined tackles through the first five games of the regular season. Karlaftis wasn't able to carry that momentum for the rest of 2025, but his combined tackles were one more than his previous career high set in 2023 (across 16 regular-season games). The 2022 first-rounder signed a four-year, $93 million contract extension in July and will be a cornerstone of the Chiefs' defense for years to come.
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Chiefs' Chamarri Conner: Career year in 2025
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Conner totaled 117 (75 solo), including 2.0 sacks, two passes defended, one interception and two forced fumbles across 17 games with Kansas City during the 2025 campaign.
Conner had the best season of his career, setting new personal bests in tackles and sacks while starting every game for the first time. The 25-year-old proved to be one of the Chiefs' most productive defenders, finishing second on the team in tackles behind Nick Bolton's 154 (73 solo). Conner should continue to serve as Kansas City's starting strong safety during the 2026 campaign.
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Chiefs' Drue Tranquill: Eclipses 100 tackles in 2025
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Tranquill recorded 103 tackles (55 solo) including 2.0 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025.
Tranquill was once again a steadying presence at linebacker next to Nick Bolton this season, and thanks to a higher defensive snap count (881) than last year (760), he was able to tally 100-plus tackles for the first time since 2022 with the Chargers. With that said, his per-snap tackle production was slightly down from 2024, and he was sometimes viewed as a liability in coverage. He will turn 31 in August, but he still figures to play a significant role in the Chiefs' front seven in 2026.
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Chiefs' Nick Bolton: Bright spot in forgettable season
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Bolton recorded 154 tackles (73 solo) including 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025.
Bolton retained his role as the Chiefs' top linebacker after they signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract back in March, and he led the team in total tackles for the second straight year. In fact, his season tackle total was tied for the seventh-best in the league. He has reestablished himself as one of the better linebackers in the NFL and projects as a strong IDP option for 2026.
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Chiefs' George Karlaftis: Unavailable for Week 18
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Karlaftis (rest) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Raiders, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.
Karlaftis will get a breather in the regular-season finale with Kansas City already eliminated from the postseason. In his absence, Charles Omenihu is a top candidate to take over as a starter on the defensive line versus Las Vegas.
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Chiefs' Jerry Tillery: Good to go for season finale
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Tillery (personal) is active for Sunday's contest against the Raiders, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.
Tillery dealt with a personal matter Friday and missed the team's final practice of the week, but he'll now be good to go for Week 18. The 29-year-old will operate in his typical role as a top reserve option behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi at defensive tackle versus Las Vegas.
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Chiefs' Jerry Tillery: Questionable with personal issue
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Tillery (personal) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.
Tillery was a fresh addition to Friday's injury report and did not participate in practice due to a personal issue he was attending to. It is unclear whether or not this issue will be resolved in time for Sunday's contest. If the 29-year-old's circumstances prevent him from suiting up, Mike Pennel and Zacch Pickens will likely see an increased number of rotational snaps at defensive tackle behind starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi.
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Chiefs' George Karlaftis: Questionable yet healthy
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Karlaftis (rest) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.
Karlaftis was a limited participant throughout Week 18, but his injury status is listed as non-injured rest. The defensive end signed a four-year, $93 million contract with the Chiefs in July. The team may just be looking to protect a valuable asset ahead of the 2026 season, as Kansas City missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 campaign. If Karlaftis is inactive for Sunday's game, he will end the season with 48 tackles (25 solo), including 6.0 sacks, and two passes defensed through 16 games.
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Chiefs' Derrick Nnadi: Logs full practice Wednesday
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Nnadi (illness) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
Nnadi had to miss last Kansas City's past two games due to an illness, but he appears to be feeling better. With a full practice in tow to begin week 18 prep, it's likely the veteran defensive tackle will be able to return to action for the Chiefs' season finale Sunday against Las Vegas.
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Chiefs' Bryan Cook: Registers eight stops Christmas Day
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Cook tallied eight tackles (four solo) and one pass defense during the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday.
Cook played every single defensive snap and finished tied for the fourth-most tackles on the Chiefs during Thursday's loss. The fourth-year safety is up to 79 combined tackles through 16 regular-season games, surpassing his previous career high of 78 tackles (in 17 regular-season games) in 2024. Cook will look to add to his total in the Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Raiders in Week 18.
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Chiefs' Chamarri Conner: Double-digit stops vs. Denver
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Conner recorded 10 tackles (seven solo) during the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday.
Conner played every single defensive snap and finished Sunday's game as the Chiefs' second-leading tackler behind Nick Bolton (12). It was Conner's fourth game in which he's posted double-digit stops and first since Week 8 against the Commanders. The third-year safety is up to 113 tackles (73 solo), including 2.0 sacks, one pass defense and two forced fumbles through 16 regular-season games.
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Chiefs' Nick Bolton: Big performance Christmas Day
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Bolton tallied 12 tackles (six solo) and an interception during the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday.
Bolton finished Thursday's contest as the game's leading tackler and picked off Bo Nix late in the first quarter, which the Chiefs offense converted into a five-yard touchdown pass from Chris Oladokun to Brashard Smith 10 plays later. It was Bolton's first interception of the season and first pick since Week 15 of the 2024 season. Bolton has logged double-digit stops in five consecutive games and is up to 145 tackles (49 solo), including 1.0 sacks, six pass defenses and one forced fumble through 16 regular-season games.
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Chiefs' Derrick Nnadi: Unavailable for Week 17
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Nnadi (illness) is inactive for Thursday night's contest against Denver.
Nnadi will be forced to miss a second straight game while recovering from an illness. In his absence, Jerry Tillery is a top candidate to step into a starting role on the defensive line versus the Broncos.
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Chiefs' George Karlaftis: Active for Week 17
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Karlaftis (illness) is active for Thursday night's game against the Broncos.
Karlaftis will be good to go for Week 17 after being added to the injury report with an illness Wednesday. The defensive lineman has compiled 46 total tackles (24 solo), including 6.0 sacks, while also adding two passes defensed and a fumble recovery over 15 games so far this year.
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Chiefs' Nick Bolton: All set for Christmas night
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Bolton (illness) is active for Thursday night's contest against Denver.
Bolton was added to the injury report with an illness Wednesday, but he'll now ultimately be good to go for Week 17. The linebacker has compiled 44 total tackles (21 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding two passes defensed over the last four games.
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Chiefs' Nick Bolton: Uncertain Thursday due to illness
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Bolton (illness) is questionable for Thursday's Week 17 game against Denver.
Bolton popped up on the injury report as limited Wednesday after coming down with an illness. His official status for Thursday may not be known until the Chiefs release their list of inactives approximately 90 minutes prior to the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Should Bolton be unable to play, Jack Cochrane could draw a start at linebacker.
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Chiefs' Derrick Nnadi: Chance to play Christmas Day
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Nnadi (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Broncos.
Nnadi was limited during Week 17 prep due to an illness that prevented him from playing Sunday against the Titans, which was enough for him to earn the questionable tag for Christmas Day. His return would result in less playing time at defensive tackle for Jerry Tillery, Mike Pennel and Zacch Pickens.
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Chiefs' Jaylen Watson: Moved to injured list
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The Chiefs moved Watson (groin) to injured reserve Wednesday.
Watson likely picked up the groin injury in last Sunday's loss to the Titans, and the Chiefs likely thought it best to shut down the cornerback for the season. With its playoff hopes dashed, the team is likely looking toward next season. Watson will end the 2025 season with 64 tackles (42 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and six passes defensed for two interceptions through 15 games.
