Chiefs Reunite with Derrick Nnadi in Trade with Jets
The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face to their defensive line. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are sending a sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and a seventh-round pick.
For Kansas City, this move feels more like a reunion than a fresh acquisition. Nnadi, 28, spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Chiefs after being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During that time, he became a key presence in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, known for his reliability against the run and his consistency in the trenches.
Nnadi’s time in Kansas City included three Super Bowl appearances and two championships, making him an experienced piece in the franchise’s recent era of dominance. While not always flashy on the stat sheet, he carved out a reputation as a dependable interior lineman who embraced the dirty work — clogging gaps, drawing double teams, and giving the Chiefs’ edge rushers room to thrive.
The Jets signed Nnadi this offseason, aiming to bolster their defensive front. However, with New York’s younger linemen stepping up in camp, the team chose to move on and collect draft capital. For Kansas City, the trade represents not only depth but also familiarity. Nnadi already knows the system, the locker room, and the expectations of playing for a championship-caliber team.
By swapping a sixth-rounder for a seventh-rounder and Nnadi, the Chiefs essentially bought back a trusted veteran at a minimal cost. It’s a classic “win-now” move for a franchise once again eyeing a deep postseason run.
Head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Spagnuolo have long valued stability in the trenches. With Chris Jones continuing to anchor the interior and young defenders still developing, Nnadi’s return provides both depth and veteran leadership. He may not start every snap, but his presence adds insurance against injuries and strengthens Kansas City’s defensive rotation.
The move also resonates emotionally with Chiefs fans. Many were surprised when Nnadi departed earlier this offseason, as he had become a fan favorite and a respected voice in the locker room. His return brings back not just a familiar player but also a sense of continuity for a defense looking to repeat its championship-level performance.
For now, Nnadi heads back to the city where he built his career, rejoining a team that knows him well. As Kansas City prepares for another challenging season in the AFC, adding a battle-tested veteran for such a low cost could prove to be one of the most underrated moves of the year.
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