3 former Chiefs players who could (improbably) return in 2022
By Jacob Milham
Linebacker Reggie Ragland
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach loves bringing in former high draft selections, who needed a change of scenery. One of his first such projects was linebacker Reggie Ragland.
The Buffalo Bills drafted Ragland 41st overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He never played a snap for the Bills, due to injury and scheme fit. Ragland found steady work in Kansas City after the Chiefs traded for him. Over three seasons, Ragland played in 42 games with 32 starts and 160 combined tackles. He was not an inspiring part of the defense, but rather a steady presence. The best ability is availability, and Ragland was available for the most part.
Thornhill got much-deserved praise for this stop on 4th and 1, but Reggie Ragland was just as instrumental for stonewalling the tight end. If he gets moved down the field at all this is a 1st down. pic.twitter.com/PUEHboDhkH
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) December 4, 2019
There is a specific domino effect to necessitate Ragland’s return to Kansas City. The Chiefs have several athletic linebackers, but no old-school punishing linebackers outside of Nick Bolton. If Bolton became unavailable, there is no clear replacement for him on the current roster. Darius Harris has experience backing up Bolton, but the middle is not Harris’ strong suit. Rookie Leo Chenal is a good one-gap linebacker but has not inspired Chiefs coaches as of late.
Ragland has not played in 2022 but was a valuable spot starter for the Detroit Lions in 2020 and the New York Giants in 2021. His best years were with Kansas City though. At the very least, bringing in Ragland would give the Chiefs depth at linebacker and a sure tackler.