KC Chiefs FA Profile: The important yet understated role of Derrick Nnadi

Recommendation

Look, Derrick Nnadi’s a solid player. With all his ups and downs, he is still a solid player. The team could count on him to be there, as could the coaches. However, he is certainly not irreplaceable.

Nnadi holds a special spot in fans’ hearts, due to the awful 2018 draft. He is, by far, the best player out of that spectacularly awful draft class, but his rookie deal has come to an end. It is not financially responsible to keep Nnadi around by whatever means necessary. If the money works out, by all means, let it happen. However, Nnadi may have already peaked, and that is a real possibility.

If Kansas City re-signs Nnadi and he regresses to his pre-2021 pass-rushing performance, the team looks foolish. Simple as that. Nnadi’s role can be filled in a bevy of ways, including drafting a player to replace him. Interior defensive line is already a draft need. Why re-sign Nnadi and stunt another player’s development? Picturing two or three years down the road, it does not make sense.

Players like Nnadi are important to defenses. But, there are several players out there like him. Some may be better fits, or cheaper, or younger. I do not want to see Nnadi go, but this is an opportunity for new blood and new building blocks toward another championship. Nnadi has done good things in Kansas City, but it is likely time for him to cash in elsewhere.

Prediction

Nnadi signs elsewhere, at an annual price point too high for Kansas City.