KC Chiefs free agents with plenty to offer other teams

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 27: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1st quarter of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on August 27, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 27: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1st quarter of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on August 27, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Nnadi, defensive line

If the Chiefs choose not to re-sign Nnadi (or if he’s priced out of their range in free agency), Nnadi is going to make his next team quite happy with an under-appreciated ability to disrupt the passer that could grow as he gains further experience.

What teams already know quite well is just how strong of a run-stopper Nnadi is, and he’s been one of the Chiefs’ best linemen against the run for the last four seasons—the lone gem from a draft class that’s otherwise perhaps the worst in team history (2018). Nnadi has been a stalwart against the run for years, but he’s also come along as an interior rusher next to Chris Jones.

That’s not to say he’s a three-down lineman at this stage at all. Nnadi is still viewed as a one-dimensional lineman and will be paid accordingly, but the potential is possibly there for more in an environment that asks more of him. He’s also young and comes with Super Bowl experience.

For the Chiefs, they’ve got the manpower to let him walk and save money knowing Tershawn Wharton and Khalen Saunders are in place for 2022. Watch for the Arizona Cardinals to make a potential play here.