The NFL offseason is ripe with heartbreaking divorces, and the Kansas City Chiefs learned that the hard way this weekend.
On Sunday, ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler reported that the New York Jets have signed veteran defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi to a contract. The 28-year-old defender will officially leave the Chiefs after spending his entire seven-year career in Kansas City.
Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, multi-time Super Bowl winner with the #Chiefs, is signing with the #Jets, per his agency @_SportsTrust
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2025
Chiefs News: Jets Sign DT Derrick Nnadi in Free Agency
It’s going to be weird seeing the Chiefs’ defensive line without Nnadi in the middle. The former Florida State Seminole has played 133 games between the regular season and playoffs since being drafted 75th overall in 2018, which includes 99 total starts.
Although he was never the NFL’s best defender during his tenure, Nnadi often played a big role in any success the Chiefs have seen in the last seven years. He’s racked up 109 solo tackles and five sacks during the regular season while adding another 14 solo efforts in the postseason, doing whatever it takes to help clog the gaps and stop the run.
Without Nnadi battling in the trenches, the Chiefs likely would’ve had a tougher time winning their last three Super Bowl titles.
Having said that, the gridiron isn’t the only place where the Virginia Beach, VA native made an impact.
Nnadi was often involved in the Kansas City community, especially when it came to animal-related causes. He was often involved with the Best Friends Animal Society and local animal shelter KC Pet Project and has even helped pay “adoption fees for more than 500 dogs” as of May 2024.
Between his on-field presence and community involvement, Kansas City won’t be the same without Nnadi roaming the streets. Having said that, he provided Chiefs fans with nearly a decade of memories they won’t forget, meaning it wouldn’t be surprising if the organization honored him down the line — either when he returns as an opposing player or during his post-playing days.
In the meantime, Chiefs fans want to wish No. 91 nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors.