Chiefs are Bringing Back one of Their Own
Updated October 7, 2026
With roster cuts looming on Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a fan favorite to help bolster the interior of their defensive line. Is this a good move for the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have two holes to fill before the start of the regular season; they’d like to add a veteran cornerback and another interior presence on the defensive line. Well, one mission is done as the Chiefs have made a trade with the New York Jets to bring back their 2018 third-round defensive tackle. Derrick Nnadi.
The Jets signed Nnado to a free agent contract in March, after he spent seven seasons with the Chiefs. Now with a need to bolster the defensive line, Nnadi comes back to Kansas City with a solid understanding of what the Chiefs do on defense.
He’ll instantly bolster the interior defensive line, and this move allows the Chiefs to take their time with 2025 second-round pick Omarr Norman-Lott, who has been battling injuries since the onset of training camp. This also means outside of Norman-Lott, the interior of the Chiefs’ defensive line will be made up of proven veterans.
Nnadi will join Jerry Tillery, Mike Pennel, and Chris Jones on the 53-man roster heading into the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5th.
In the deal, the Chiefs will send a conditional 2027 draft pick to the Jets to complete the trade.
Nick Athan
Nick Athan is the founder of Chiefs Blitz and former publisher of Warpaint Illustrated. With decades spent covering the Kansas City Chiefs, he brings unmatched insight and connections to every story.
