Jarran Reed is expected to sign with K.C. Chiefs

ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler has word that the K.C. Chiefs are poised to make a significant addition to the defensive front with the rumored signing of former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed. Ian Rapoport added the deal’s terms a bit later.

Reed was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks in a cost-cutting measure that set the talented defensive lineman free, a valuable contributor to the defensive front who had been a starter for Pete Carroll for each of the last four seasons.

The Seahawks will miss Jarran Reed‘s disruptive presence in the middle, which has been good enough to put together as many as 10.5 sacks in a season (2018). Last season, Reed had 38 total tackles and 6.5 sacks in 16 starts for the Seahawks. Reed is still only 28-years-old, which bodes well for expectations for continued impact in the interior, especially next to a talent like Chris Jones.

The Chiefs have been in the mix for potential additions along the offensive front this offseason, and they even recently hosted free agent pass rusher Melvin Ingram for a visit last week at Arrowhead. However, both sides reportedly couldn’t reach an agreement and he left without a deal in hand.

The K.C. Chiefs are expected to sign Jarran Reed.

With the addition of Reed up front, the Chiefs now have a significant boost to the interior rush and a real difference maker alongside Jones. The team is likely to still look for some considerable upgrades at defensive end to go across from Frank Clark, especially as they are likely to lose Tanoh Kpassagnon and Alex Okafor in free agency. The team has re-signed Taco Charlton already this offseason, and things could still come together with Ingram.

It’s also possible this kicks Chris Jones outside or forces a different rotation given the glut of talent along the defensive interior. Derrick Nnadi is coming into the final year of his rookie deal with the Chiefs after being the third round pick back in 2018. Turk Wharton broke through last year to significant playing time after being signed as an undrafted free agent. Khalen Saunders was a third round pick himself only a year ago. At this point, it seems pretty obvious that Mike Pennel will not be re-signing with the Chiefs once again.