The Kansas City Chiefs continue to make moves, with their latest being bolstering their defensive line with the signing of veteran Defensive Tackle Jerry Tillery. This move adds some much-needed depth and experience to a Chiefs defensive line group that needed both.
Tillery, 28, is a former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers. He spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings appearing in all 17 games. The signing was first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Friday.
Tillery’s NFL Journey
Tillery entered the NFL back in 2019, coming out from Notre Dame as one of the highest-rated prospects of that year. He played four seasons with the Chargers before being waived during the 2022 campaign. The Las Vegas Raiders quickly claimed him off waivers, keeping him for the remainder of the season.
After a brief stint with the Raiders, Tillery signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in 2024. He contributed 28 tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass defenses. Now, he joins a KC defense looking to solidify a role in the rotation.
Chiefs’ Defensive Tackle Situation
Kansas City’s defensive tackle depth was a pressing concern entering free agency. Before Tillery’s signing the only players under contract at the position were Chris Jones, Siaki Ika, and Fabien Lovett Jr. The lack of depth made adding reinforcements a priority.
Several Chiefs defensive tackles from 2024 hit free agency including Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Marlon Tuipulotu. The Chiefs have already lost Tershawn Wharton. He signed a new contract with the Carolina Panthers, leaving Kansas City with limited experienced options.
Tillery’s Fit with the Chiefs
Tillery joins a unit led by Jones, but given Tillery’s skillset, he brings versatility as both a run defender and a pass rusher. That gives him the chance to become a key rotational player for the Chiefs.
Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for his creative schemes and usage of various players. Given Tillery’s abilities, he will fit nicely with Spagnuolo’s scheme if he can develop in the system this offseason. He could emerge as a key contributor alongside Jones in the 2025 season.
Final Thoughts
With the Chiefs latest addition of Tillery, the team continues to address their depth concerns. While this move may not be a long-term solution for Kansas City’s defensive line, his experience and skill set will provide immediate value for the team.
Kansas City can explore further additions to the defensive line during the free agency or in the upcoming NFL Draft. For now, Tillery gives them another capable option as they continue to put together their roster for the upcoming season.
