After signing Los Angeles Chargers Cornerback Kristian Fulton on Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs signed another player off their roster. As with Fulton, they added a premier defensive lineman from the NFC.
Heading into free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs knew they needed to bolster their defensive line. On Friday, after signing quarterback Bailey Zappe and re-signing Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs signed defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, who played with the Minnesota Vikings last season.
The defensive lineman began his career as a first-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, but he was cut three years ago and claimed by the Las Vegas Raiders. Ironically, the Chiefs also put a claim on Tillery, but their record was much better than their AFC counterpart.
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) March 14, 2025
BREAKING
The #Chiefs are signing former 1st-round defensive tackle Jerry Tillery to a 1-year deal.
Per, @Schultz_Report. pic.twitter.com/TiFGnOcdyk
Last season, he played for the Minnesota Vikings, and he welcomed a chance to return to the AFC West. The former Notre Dame standout has been a thorn in the side of the Chiefs’ offensive line.
Tillery had great success against the Chiefs in his career with the Chargers, so General Manager Brett Veach found a team-fit player who knows the AFC West.
This signing could end the Chiefs’ pursuit of Charles Omenihu. However, of note, Tillery is better served playing inside next to Defensive Tackle Chris Jones. Where he plays will be up to Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Either way, with Turk Wharton’s departure to free agency, the Chiefs needed someone to play next to Jones.
