The Chiefs are bringing back a starter on their defensive line. Derrick Nnadi is returning to Kansas City, agency SportsTrust Advisors announced on Twitter.
The former third-round pick has spent his entire career with the Chiefs, starting 69 of his 81 regular season appearances and 11 of his 14 postseason appearances.
After starting only 10 of his 17 appearances in 2021, Nnadi started all 17 games for Kansas City in 2022. His lone sack came during the Chiefs’ postseason run to a Super Bowl, and he finished the years ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 119th interior defender among 124 qualifiers. He last graded as a top-end interior defender in 2020.
Even if Nnadi profiles as more of a situational player, the Chiefs will continue to lean on him in 2023. Khalen Saunders left in free agency, leaving Nnadi as the veteran member of the defensive tackles room.