The Kansas City Chiefs may have lost some players in the off-season, but they managed to steal a linebacker from one of their division rivals.
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again Super Bowl champions, after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in comeback fashion.
Like any team that lifts the Lombardi Trophy, the Chiefs have watched some big names let go in free agency. Some of their losses this season were wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, safety Juan Thornhill and offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie. However, they did bring in some big names this season, including offensive tackle Joan Taylor and defensive end Charles Omeniho.
The Chiefs just made another big addition to their defense, and at the expense of a rival division.
According to Jordan Schultz, insider at TheScore NFL, the Chiefs have signed former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Drue Tranquill to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.
BREAKING: FA LB Drue Tranquill signs a one-year contract with the #Chiefs, sources say @theScore.
Tranquill is coming off a career year for the #Chargers, amassing 144 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4 PBUs.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2023
The Chiefs sign former Chargers LB Drue Tranquill
Tranquill spent the first four years of his career with the Chargers as a fourth-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 2019. In his first season with the Chargers, Tranquill recorded 75 combined tackles (61 solo and 14 tackles assisted), four tackles for loss, and one pass defended. He missed the majority of the 2020 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Last season was Tranquil’s first as a starter in Los Angeles. In 17 games played, Tranquill recorded 146 combined tackles (95 solo, 51 tackle assist), five sacks, four passes defensed, and one interception. In coverage, Tranquill allowed 37 receptions for 376 yards and 1 touchdown on 43 targets, according to Pro Football Reference.
In the Chargers’ Wild Card Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tranquill recorded one of four interceptions in the first half by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, Jacksonville defeated Los Angeles 31-30.
Kansas City has now bolstered its linebacker corps with Tranquil, who will join Willie Guy and Nick Bolton. They added to their roster, while also taking on one of the Chargers’ top players.
