Chiefs acquire DT Derrick Nnadi from Jets, per source: Why they’re bringing him back

The Kansas City Chiefs have addressed a weakness at defensive tackle by acquiring eighth-year pro Derrick Nnadi from the New York Jets, a team source said.

The Jets will receive conditional 2027 sixth- and seventh-round draft picks, according to the source. ESPN was first to report the deal.

Nnadi, 29, spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Chiefs after they drafted him in the third round in 2018. The Jets signed him as an unrestricted free agent in March to bring some experience to their defensive tackle room and possibly push for playing time next to Quinnen Williams.

However, it became clear pretty quickly that Nnadi was no longer the player he once was. Nnadi didn’t make any noticeable impact in training camp, and based on how much he played in the final preseason game and into the second half, it became clear he was likely going to be cut anyway. The roster cut deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

The Jets added two defensive tackles via trade this week in Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs, and no longer had space for Nnadi anyway.

The 6-foot-1, 317-pound Nnadi fills an immediate need for Kansas City, which has little depth next to All-Pro Chris Jones at defensive tackle.

Veteran Mike Pennel was previously the only true run-stopping defensive tackle on the roster, but he played only 30 percent of snaps a season ago and turned 34 in May. Marlon Tuipulotu and Fabien Lovett haven’t appeared to do enough to earn 53-man roster spots, but both could be depth candidates who are likely to make the practice squad.

The Chiefs also had a trade involving late-round 2027 picks last week, sending receiver Skyy Moore to the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday in a swap of 2027 sixth- and seventh-round selections.

(Photo: Jay Biggerstaff / Imagn Images)