The Kansas City Chiefs might have had greater roster concerns on the mind coming out of Super Bowl LIX—such as left tackle—the truth is that no other position was in greater need of some help during the 2025 offseason as defensive tackle.
On Friday, the Chiefs finally made a move to add some depth and talent to the mix with the signing of Jerry Tillery.
The Chiefs have finally given Chris Jones some company along the defensive interior.
Per NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs agreed to terms with Tillery’s agents/representatives on a one-year deal to close out the first week of free agency.
The Chiefs needed to add someone at defensive tackle because the only literal players on the roster going forward for 2025 before the signing of Tillery was Chris Jones, Siaki Ika, and Fabien Lovett Jr. Most fans aren’t likely familiar with the latter two or would at least question when they joined the roster.
Going into free agency, the Chiefs were set up for several potential departures including Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, Tershawn Wharton, and Marlon Tuipulotu. Wharton already inked a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers, and the others remain available for the team to re-sign or move on.
Tillery is now a well-traveled vet who is likely already a familiar face to many Chiefs fans as a longtime member of the Los Angeles Chargers who also played with the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s now on his third franchise in the AFC West with one year (2024) spent with the Minnesota Vikings.
Last season in Minnesota, Tillery played in all 17 games and made 11 starts with 28 total tackles, 2 pass deflections, 3 quarterback hits, and 1 forced fumble to his credit. Tillery has never been a real disruptor inside, but Pro Football Focus tracked him with 17 total pressures in 482 snaps last season.
Most importantly, Tillery’s addition gives the Chiefs a bit of a floor for the position going forward. The team is likely to make at least one more signing up front as well as a heavier investment in the upcoming draft as they remake the defensive interior.
