HC Andy Reid was later released after LB Drue Tranquill was re-signed to a three-year, $19 million contract.
Drue Tranquill’s first season with the Kansas City Chiefs was a resounding success, so they’re running it back.
Tranquill is re-signing with Kansas City on a three-year, $19 million deal with $13 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday night.
ESPN first reported Tranquill and the Chiefs had agreed to terms.
A free-agent addition last offseason after four years with the rival Los Angeles Chargers, Tranquill’s versatility shined for the Chiefs in their run to a Super Bowl triumph.
In 16 games played, Tranquill got eight starts, recorded 78 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and seven tackles for loss. A standout this past season rushing the passer, Tranquill’s also solid in pass coverage and was a savior of sorts when Nick Bolton was injured.
Tranquill’s re-signing likely means Willie Gay Jr., also an impending free agent, will sign elsewhere.
Tranquill, No. 60 on Gregg Rosenthall’s Top 101 Free Agents, earned a larger role and is now poised for one in the Chiefs’ attempt at a Super Bowl three-peat.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just days before the NFL’s free-agency period began, the Kansas City Chiefs were able to retain one of their most notable veterans who was set to be an unrestricted free agent: linebacker Drue Tranquill.
Thursday night, the Chiefs and Tranquill, a five-year veteran, agreed to a three-year contract worth $19 million, a deal that includes $13 million fully guaranteed, league sources confirmed to The Athletic.
“Unfinished business,” Tranquill wrote Thursday night on his X (formerly Twitter) account. “Chiefs Kingdom LETS GOOOOO.”
Almost a year ago, Tranquill joined the Chiefs on a one-year, $3 million contract to be one of the team’s top role players under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Tranquill excelled in his role, too. In 16 games last season, including eight starts in place of injured starter Nick Bolton, Tranquill recorded 79 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup.
His production was also noteworthy in the Chiefs’ memorable postseason run, as he recorded 21 tackles in four elimination games.
“I felt like this was a place where I could come and get better as a player, a place where I could thrive,” Tranquill said last month before the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVIII. “I felt I could make a big impact.”
By keeping Tranquill on their roster, the Chiefs have solidified their starting linebackers for next season, as he is expected to play alongside Bolton and Leo Chenal in Spagnuolo’s base personnel.
Tranquill, a fourth-round pick in 2019 from Notre Dame, was the 124th-ranked free agent on The Athletic’s top 150 big board, according to Randy Mueller, the former general manager of the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints.
In January, during the postseason, Tranquill expressed his desire to remain on the roster with a deal that would take him, at age 28, throughout his prime.
At the time, Tranquill also reflected on the pivotal text message he received last year from coach Andy Reid as part of the Chiefs’ recruiting pitch. A day after the team clinched its spot in the Super Bowl, Tranquill revealed what Reid told him with a six-word phrase: “See Red and think Super Bowls.”
“To look back on that text from coach Reid, it’s something to laugh about, but it’s crazy,” Tranquill said then, smiling.