One of the longest tenured Kansas City Chiefs is leaving in NFL free agency, according to his player agency SportsTrust Advisors.
“@DerrickNnadi➡️@nyjets,” SportsTrust Advisors informed, with a graphic that noted that Derrick Nnadi has “come to terms” with the New York Jets on a contract.
This departure is somewhat surprising, as Nnadi typically re-signs with the Chiefs sometime during the second wave of free agency, but it’s possible the seven-year veteran is looking for a fresh start after getting relegated into more of a backup role in 2024.
Including playoffs, Nnadi has started 99 games for Kansas City since being drafted in 2018. Last season, he only started one game with fellow defensive tackle Mike Pennel mostly taking over the run stuffer role.
His defensive snap percentage also decreased from somewhere around 34% to 54% in each of his first six years in the league to just 20% in 2024.
So, clearly the Chiefs began to move away from Nnadi last season. And as a result, Nnadi has decided to pack his bags and head to New York City.
Chiefs Kingdom Will Remember Derrick Nnadi as a 3-Time Super Bowl Champion
Nnadi never truly lived up to his draft status as a former third-round pick, but he’ll still be remembered fondly by most as a three-time Super Bowl champion that was actually on the field for the majority of each of those championship runs.
Nnadi started all three games during the 2019 playoff run that ended with a Lombardi Trophy, recording 7 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss. He started all three games during the 2022 playoff run too, with 1.0 sack, 3 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss.
His smallest impact came in winter of 2024 — aka the 2023 postseason run.
During the Chiefs’ most recent playoff run, Nnadi only appeared in one game, starting the opening matchup versus the Miami Dolphins. The D-tackle was unfortunately placed on the injured reserve following that wildcard round outing, but did eventually return for KC’s entire 2024 campaign (20 appearances including the playoffs).
Chiefs Will Likely Target Defensive Tackle in NFL Draft, But Re-Signing Mike Pennel Must Also Be a Priority
The Chiefs have a few holes to fill inside the defensive tackle room behind Chris Jones. General manager Brett Veach did bring in one free agent at the position, signing Jerry Tillery, but there’s a lack of depth behind those two.
As of March 16, the incomplete 90-man roster only has second-year UDFA Fabien Lovett Sr. and nose tackle pickup Siaki Ika on it as far as reserves go. The Chiefs would be wise to bring back Pennel here — who could either start at nose tackle or rotate in when needed.
Aside from reuniting with the veteran, Kansas City will likely address this position in the draft.
It’s supposed to be a strong and deep rookie class at defensive tackle, and perhaps KC is planning to spend a first- or second-round selection on a new understudy to Jones. Paired with Tillery and Pennel, said prospect would have some time to develop in year one.
If the Chiefs don’t share this draft plan — they better do something else quickly in free agency. The DT market is drying up very fast this March, and after Nnadi’s departure, Kansas City is running out of options at the position.
