Andy Reid recruited Drue Tranquill with 'Think Super Bowls'

Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs brought in a familiar face at an unexpected position in free agency when they inked Drue Tranquill to a one-year deal worth $3 million.

Tranquill is a well-rounded player who would make any defense better, but he was a surprise due to the position he plays and the amount of talent the Chiefs already had among the linebacking corps. Still, Tranquill proved to be too great of a value at that rate and what's not surprising is that the Chiefs decided to pursue him knowing he was available for such a price.

The Chiefs were already very familiar with Tranquill after facing him on the Los Angeles Chargers' defense for each of the last four seasons. That's eight total contests against Tranquill in the span of his rookie deal, and last season was a breakout effort for the 27-year-old as he posted career highs in tackles (146), sacks (5), QB hits (8), tackles for loss (10), and passes deflected (4) along with his first ever interception and forced fumble.

Drue Tranquill says he felt valued by the entire Chiefs organization in their pursuit of him.

Tranquill had other teams involved, but he said the Chiefs really made him feel special in their pursuit of him. In particular, he said Andy Reid had him thinking about the bigger picture: a very real chance to hoist a Lombardi Trophy. From Tranquill's appearance on NFL's Total Access:

"I was really honored by the way the Chiefs pursued me, all the way from the front office down to the coaching staff. Andy Reid literally texted me the morning of [when] I was going to make my decision and he was like, 'Think red. Think red. Think Super Bowls.' I just felt really valued over there, felt like they really had a role for me and really wanted me over there."

Tranquill's presence elevates the Chiefs linebacking corps to new heights and even before the season they are earning respect. Pro Football Focus already voted them as the NFL's sixth-best unit heading into 2023. It helps when Tranquill is just one of four exciting young players along with Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, and Wilie Gay Jr.