Chiefs Re-Sign Former Draft Pick & Full-Time Starter at Key Position

The Kansas City Chiefs retained one of their own on Tuesday, March 21 by re-signing defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi according to his agency, SportsTrust Advisors.

Nnadi, 26, was a third-round draft pick of the Chiefs in 2018. He has been a starter in the trenches alongside Chris Jones since entering the league and has accumulated 127 tackles, 80 stops, and 56 total pressures (49 QB hurries, 5 sacks, 2 QB hits) during the last five seasons according to PFF.

Last season, he recorded 24 tackles, 17 stops, and 5 total pressures, all of which were QB hurries, in 17 regular season games. In three playoff games, he registered 2 stops, 1 tackle, and 2 total pressures (1 sack, 1 QB hurry).

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State of the Chiefs Defensive Line

At the start of free agency, All-Pro Chris Jones was the only defensive tackle on Kansas City’s roster that played meaningful snaps in 2022 and was under contract through the 2023 season. Now with Nnadi back in the fold, the interior defensive line looks a bit more stable than it did as of March 15.

The Chiefs were able to retain Tershawn Wharton on a one-year deal this offseason but lost Khalen Saunders, who took to free agency and signed with the New Orleans Saints. Brandon Williams, who signed with the Chiefs during the 2022 season, is still a free agent. Kansas City also has Danny Shelton and Daniel Wise, who will work with the Chiefs this offseason and will look to remain with the team through the summer.

Along the edge, the defending Super Bowl champions parted ways with veteran Frank Clark but signed former San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Charles Omenihu to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million. Kansas City’s defensive end room currently includes Omenihu, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Malik Herring, and Joshua Kaindoh.

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Chiefs Free Agency Tracker

Here is a list of the players (other than Derrick Nnadi) the Chiefs have signed during free agency along with their contracts according to Over The Cap:

• OT Jawaan Taylor (4 years, $80 million)
• DE Charles Omenihu (2 years, $20 million)
• S Mike Edwards (1 year, $3 million)
• LB Drue Tranquill (1-year deal)
• DT Tershawn Wharton (1 year, $2 million)
• OL Nick Allegretti (1-year deal)
• OL Prince Tea Wanogho (tendered)
• TE Jody Fortson (tendered)
• P Tommy Townsend (tendered)
• QB Shane Buechele (tendered)

Here are the players that remain free agents:

• DE Frank Clark
• DE Carlos Dunlap
• RB Ronald Jones II
• DT Brandon Williams
• TE Blake Bell
• TE Jordan Franks
• WR Mecole Hardman
• WR Justin Watson
• S Deon Bush
• RB Jerick McKinnon
• LB Darius Harris

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Twitter Reacts to Chiefs Re-Signing Derrick Nnadi

Twitter users reacted to the Chiefs re-signing defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.

“Excellent, was a concern. [Brett] Veach setting up for a heavy run on offense in the draft outside of edge and db depth,” one Twitter user wrote.

“But do we draft his eventual replacement for next year in the draft? Keandre Coburn in the 4th or Cameron Young late?” another user wrote.

“Good insurance move, but I feel like all signs are leading to the Chiefs taking one or maybe even two defensive tackles in the draft,” Caleb James of Arrowhead Pride wrote.

“Solid signing for depth, however, DT needs to be addressed during the draft,” another user wrote. “Would love to see KC draft a guy like Keeanu Benton to help clog the middle.”

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