In the NFL, nothing stays the same for long. One minute, you’re locked in as a franchise staple, and the next, you’re packing your bags for a whole new vibe. That’s just the game—eras end, fresh starts begin, and fans are left trying to process the shift.
Derrick Nnadi, a three-time Super Bowl champ and certified trench warrior, is officially out of Andy Reid’s Kansas City and heading to the New York Jets. After seven rock-solid seasons with the Chiefs, he’s gearing up for a new chapter, and with his exit, the last remnant of GM Brett Veach’s first-ever draft class is gone. Just like that, an era quietly fades into the history books.
Nnadi was drafted in the third round in 2018 out of Florida State, and from day one, he made his presence known. Over 115 games, he racked up 233 tackles and five sacks—not the flashiest stats, but trust, this dude was a problem for offenses. He was a run-stuffing menace, barely missed games, and did the dirty work that let the Chiefs’ defense shine when it mattered most.
One of Derrick Nnadi‘s wildest moments? In 2019, he snagged his first career interception against the Chargers—yeah, a defensive tackle picking off a pass. That same year, he helped Andy Reid’s squad secure a Super Bowl, clogging up run lanes and making sure opposing offenses had a rough time. He wasn’t out there for the highlight reels, but he was built for winning football.
Now, the Jets are cashing in on his experience. They haven’t dropped all contract details yet, but it’s clear they see him as a key piece. He signed a 1-year deal with them. With Javon Kinlaw heading to Washington, they needed someone to step up next to Quinnen Williams, and Nnadi fits the bill. He’s bringing championship experience, veteran presence, and straight-up grit to the squad.
Inside Jets HQ, the vibes are solid. A team source even said, “We believe Derrick can rediscover his peak performance here.” Translation? They think he’s still got that dawg in him and can level up their defensive front.
Off the field, Nnadi is just as elite. In Kansas City, he made headlines for covering adoption fees at animal shelters after every Chiefs win—automatic fan-favorite energy. Jets fans might wanna keep an eye out to see if he keeps that tradition alive in New York.
As for Nnadi himself, he’s locked in. “I hope to bring my experience and skills to help this team compete at the highest level,” he said. Now, it’s all eyes on the Jets to see if this move hits. Either way, Nnadi’s bringing championship DNA and that winning mentality to the Big Apple—ready to start his next era. But what about KC?
Brett Veach and KC needs a defense revamp
It’s official—Brett Veach’s first-ever draft class is officially extinct in Kansas City. With Derrick Nnadi heading to the New York Jets, the Chiefs have officially hit the reset button on that 2018 squad. Not exactly shocking, but still kinda wild to think the last dude from that class is gone. End of an era for real.
Nnadi bouncing was already tough, but then you add Tershawn Wharton securing a three-year, $45.05M deal with the Panthers and Justin Reid bagging a three-year, $31.5M contract with the Saints? Yeah, the defense is kinda in crisis mode. Chris Jones is still holding it down, but right now, that D-line is looking thinner than a TikTok influencer’s iced coffee. If they don’t stack up soon, stopping the run is gonna be painful next season.
KC is trying to patch things up, though. They brought in Jerry Tillery, but let’s be real—he’s not exactly a Nnadi clone. They also signed Kristian Fulton on a two-year, $20M deal, hoping he locks things down in the secondary. Solid move if he stays healthy, but let’s not act like this defense is set. The Chiefs need more reinforcements, and they’re probably gonna go crazy in the draft hunting for fresh talent.
The offense is also in its ‘rebuilding era,’ but at least they managed to keep some key pieces. JuJu Smith-Schuster is running it back, so Mahomes isn’t completely stranded. They also signed Elijah Mitchell on a one-year, $2.5M deal to add some depth at RB. But let’s be real, they still need more WR firepower and some extra muscle on the O-line. The wide receiver room has been looking kinda mid, so they’ll definitely need to cook up some moves before Week 1.
With free agency still moving and the draft coming up in April, the Chiefs have to lock in. The D-line and secondary need some love ASAP, and on offense, Mahomes could really use another certified WR1. The good news? KC always finds a way.
The post End of an Era in KC as Andy Reid Ditches Final Member of Chiefs GM Brett Veach’s 1st Draft Class appeared first on EssentiallySports.