NFL rumors: Chiefs poach linebacker from division rivals

The Kansas City Chiefs may have lost some players this offseason, but they managed to steal a linebacker from one of their division rivals.

The Kansas City Chiefs are once again Super Bowl champions, after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in comeback fashion.

Much like any team that hoists the Lombardi Trophy, the Chiefs watched as some big names left in free agency. Some of their losses this offseason have been wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, safety Juan Thornhill and offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie. Yet, they did bring in some big names this offseason, including offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive end Charles Omenihu.

The Chiefs just made another big addition to their defense, and at the expense of a division rival.

According to theScore NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs signed former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.

Chiefs sign former Chargers LB Drue Tranquill

Tranquill spent the first four years of his career with the Chargers as a fourth-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2019. In his very first season with the Chargers, Tranquill recorded 75 combined tackles (61 solo, 14 assisted), four tackles for loss, and one pass defended. He missed the majority of the 2020 season after tearing his ACL.

This past season was Tranquill’s first as a starting linebacker for Los Angeles. In 17 games played, Tranquill recorded 146 combined tackles (95 solo, 51 assisted), five sacks, four passes defended, and one interception. In coverage, Tranquill allowed 37 receptions for 376 yards and one touchdowns on 43 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

In the Chargers’ Wild Card Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tranquill recorded one of four first half interceptions by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, Jacksonville defeated Los Angeles 31-30.

Kansas City has now bolstered their linebacker corps with Tranquill, who will join Willie Gay and Nick Bolton. They added to their roster, while taking away one of the Chargers’ top linebackers.