Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu, now one year into his two-year, $16 million deal, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with his current contract, believing he deserves better compensation. In an interview with Inside Texas’ Justin Wells on February 26, Omenihu stated, “The biggest way how I keep my chip on my shoulder now is I feel like I should be paid more.” He acknowledged that while he may not be in the same salary tier as Myles Garrett or the Bosa brothers, he believes he should be considered among the next tier of players.

Omenihu reiterated similar sentiments during an appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” asserting that he believes he has performed well enough to warrant a new deal. With seven sacks in 11 games and impactful plays, including a crucial sack in the championship game, Omenihu feels he has demonstrated his value to the team.

Despite his impressive performance, Omenihu faces the challenge of recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the AFC Championship Game. While initially hopeful of returning for the 2024 Super Bowl, further testing revealed the extent of his injury, necessitating surgery on February 20. As a result, he is expected to miss a portion of the 2024 season, highlighting the importance of availability in assessing his worth.

While Omenihu aims to return to top form and prove his continued productivity, his future contract negotiations may hinge on his ability to perform post-injury. Until then, the Chiefs may withhold a new deal until he demonstrates his capability on the field. Despite the setback, Omenihu remains determined, addressing his critics in a message on social media and reaffirming his commitment to proving his worth.