Derrick Nnadi re-signing completes defensive line reunion for Chiefs
By Matt Conner
When the Kansas City Chiefs figured out the magic number that was good for both sides of their negotiations with Chris Jones on a long-term contract, most fans figured the team was ready to move on to positions when it came to re-signing their own players. After all, the only ones left were single-season, low-level commitments.
As it turns out, the Chiefs have kinda, sorta specialized in those signings all week. Even with major fires still to put out (e.g. L'Jarius Sneed) or more pressing needs to potentially address (offensive tackle, wide receiver), the Chiefs have steadily been getting the band back.
"Run it back" is the clear theme, at least along the defensive line (although one could argue that it doesn't stop there).
The theme is definitely "run it back" along the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive front.
On Thursday, the Chiefs quietly re-signed Derrick Nnadi to a one-year deal to stay in Kansas City for the seventh consecutive season. It was also his third consecutive single-season contract. Just like that, the band was back together once again.
Remember that earlier this week, the Chiefs also got Turk Wharton to re-sign on the dotted line to a one-year contract worth up to $2.75 million. The day before, it was veteran run-stuffer Mike Pennel who agreed to return for the '24 season. With holdovers Neil Farrell and Matt Dickerson already in place, it's a reunion of the line that won Super Bowl 58 together.
Nnadi provides a reliable body up front who never misses a game due to injury. He's also well-versed in what Steve Spagnuolo wants everyone to do. Last season, he had 29 tackles and 1 sack while playing in 46% of defensive snaps for the Chiefs—his first uptick in several seasons.
As for the Chiefs defensive line, they will miss Charles Omenihu's presence up front while he is injured for an indefinite amount of time, but other than Mike Danna, who remains available as of press time as a free agent, every single player to log a snap up front for the Chiefs is back once again.