Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, a strong defensive line is the backbone of a championship-contending team—and for the Kansas City Chiefs, the recent signing of defensive tackle Zacch Pickens is a strategic move to shore up a unit that has shown cracks in the interior. Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs comes at a critical juncture: with the Chiefs fighting for a top AFC playoff seed, their defensive line has struggled to generate consistent pressure from the tackle position and has allowed 4.5 yards per carry in their last three games—well above their season average of 3.8. Pickens, a former third-round draft pick with three years of NFL experience, brings a blend of size, strength, and pass-rushing upside that the Chiefs desperately need. For the Chiefs, this signing isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s an investment in strengthening a defense that will need to stop elite offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.

Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Pickens’ NFL journey, which has been marked by flashes of potential and a need for a fresh start. The 6’3”, 300-pound defensive tackle was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of South Carolina, where he was a standout—recording 11 sacks and 25 tackles for loss in three seasons. In Carolina, Pickens showed promise as a run stopper (grading out at 76.1 by Pro Football Focus in 2023) and displayed occasional pass-rushing ability (5 sacks in 38 games), but inconsistent playing time and a scheme misfit limited his impact. The Panthers released him in late November 2026 after he fell out of the rotation, citing a need to “open up opportunities for younger players.” Pickens spent the next month working out for teams, including the Chiefs, who were impressed by his ability to split double teams and his high motor. “Zacch is a player with a lot of untapped potential,” said Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen. “He has the size to hold up against the run and the quickness to get to the quarterback. We think he can thrive in our scheme, which lets defensive tackles play more aggressively.” For Pickens, the Chiefs offer a chance to rebuild his career and contribute to a winning team.

A key context for Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs is the Chiefs’ pressing need at defensive tackle. The team’s starter, Chris Jones, has been dominant (12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles), but his backup, Derrick Nnadi, has struggled this season—allowing a 62% run success rate when he’s on the field and generating just 1 sack. The Chiefs also lost backup tackle Neil Farrell Jr. to a knee injury in Week 14, leaving them with only two healthy defensive tackles on the active roster. This lack of depth has forced Jones to play nearly 80% of the snaps in recent games, raising concerns about fatigue in the playoffs. Pickens, who can play both nose tackle and three-technique, will provide much-needed relief for Jones and add a second pass-rushing threat from the interior. In his workout with the Chiefs, Pickens impressed coaches with his ability to use his hands to shed blockers and his awareness in zone defense—skills that align with the Chiefs’ defensive scheme, which relies on defensive tackles to clog running lanes and create pressure without blitzing. “We needed someone who could step in and contribute right away, and Zacch checks that box,” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “He knows how to play in a system that values discipline and aggression, and he’s already picking up our playbook quickly.”

Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs also details the specific role Pickens is expected to play in the Chiefs’ defense. Initially, he will serve as the primary backup to both Jones and Nnadi, rotating in on 20-30 snaps per game to keep Jones fresh. His run-stopping ability will be critical against teams like the Las Vegas Raiders (who rush for 115 yards per game) and the Cincinnati Bengals (who rely on Joe Mixon in short-yardage situations), while his pass-rushing skills will be used in passing downs to complement Jones. The Chiefs plan to use Pickens in “sub packages” with Jones, lining him up at three-technique to create one-on-one matchups with guards—a scenario where his quickness can shine. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid outlined the vision for Pickens, saying, “Zacch will be a key part of our rotation. He’ll help us keep Chris fresh for the fourth quarter, and he’ll give us another guy who can get to the quarterback. That’s huge for us, especially against teams with good offensive lines.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Pickens’ role is about more than just filling a roster spot—it’s about making their defense more dynamic and less reliant on a single player.

Another layer of Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs is how this signing reflects the Chiefs’ approach to building a playoff-ready roster. The team has a history of adding experienced players midseason to address weaknesses—most notably signing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2022, who helped them reach the Super Bowl. Pickens’ contract is a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, a low-risk investment that gives the Chiefs flexibility to re-sign him in the off-season if he performs well. This approach allows the Chiefs to avoid long-term commitments while still improving the team for the playoffs. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach emphasized the team’s strategy, saying, “We’re always looking for ways to get better, especially this time of year. Zacch is a player who can help us now, and we’re not putting a lot of capital at risk. It’s a win-win: he gets a chance to play for a contender, and we get a talented player who can make our defense stronger.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this signing is also a message to the locker room: the front office is committed to doing whatever it takes to win a Super Bowl, even if it means adding players late in the season.

Looking ahead, Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs is a storyline that will unfold in the final weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs. If Pickens can quickly adapt to the Chiefs’ scheme and contribute as a run stopper and pass rusher, he could become a key piece of their defensive rotation. His presence will allow Jones to rest more, ensuring the star tackle is at his best when it matters most. Even if Pickens has a slow start, the Chiefs still gain depth—a critical asset in the playoffs, where injuries can derail a team’s chances. For Pickens, this is an opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL and to help a championship-caliber team win. “I’m grateful for the chance the Chiefs are giving me,” Pickens said in his first press conference with the team. “I’m ready to work hard, learn from the guys like Chris Jones, and do whatever I can to help this team win.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Zacch Pickens’ signing is a small but important step toward their goal of lifting the Lombardi Trophy. Zacch Pickens Signed to Bolster Defense for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just about one player—it’s about the Chiefs’ commitment to excellence and their belief that every addition, no matter how late in the season, can make a difference in the playoffs.