Championship teams are built on more than just superstar quarterbacks and highlight-reel touchdowns. In the trenches, where games are often won or lost, Kansas City has relied on a tough, disciplined defensive line to fuel its dynasty. But as the Chiefs gear up for another title run (let’s call it a revenge tour), change is in the air. After that brutal Super Bowl loss, Andy Reid and the front office have been busy retooling the defense. In that process, KC has parted ways with a few familiar faces: Justin Reid, Keith Taylor, and Josh Uche. Well, you’ve got to break a few eggs to make an omelet. 

It’s not only goodbyes though, Reid and the front office are also bringing back some key pieces. The Chiefs are bringing back Marlon Tuipulotu. His agency Aura Sports Group spilled the beans that Kansas City is locking him in again, though the contract details are still hush-hush. Tuipulotu was on a one-year deal with Kansas City worth $1M. The USC alum was originally drafted by Philly in 2021. Marlon was part of the Eagles squad that made a run to Super Bowl LVII. Philly released him last year during the preseason, and KC signed him to the practice squad.

Tuipulotu didn’t see much action in his first year with the Chiefs. The 25-year-old played in just two games, starting in one. He was on the field for 61 defensive snaps and seven special teams plays. During that time, the DT made four tackles, out of which one resulted in a loss of yards.

The Chiefs earlier let go of their defensive tackle, Tershawn Wharton. An undrafted free agent, Wharton had been with the Chiefs since 2020. After re-signing him on a one-year contract last season, KC parted ways with him this time. Tershawn signed a three-year deal with the Panthers worth $54 million on the first day of free agency.

Wharton is not the only defensive tackle Andy Reid and the front office decided to let go of.

Andy Reid hits refresh: Chiefs shake up DT room

The offseasons are full of happy reunions and bitter goodbyes. So, while the Chiefs are bringing back Tuipulotu, they didn’t bring back Derrick Nnadi. The Florida State alum was on a $2M one-year deal with Kansas City. Derrick had been with the Chiefs since 2018 after they selected him as the 75th overall pick. Along the way, he bagged three Super Bowl rings.

Derrick’s departure marks the end of the infamous 2018 draft class for Kansas City. The 2018 draft for the Chiefs turned out to be a disaster, you could say Derrick was the only good thing to come out of it. That was GM Brett Veach‘s first year running the show. Now with both Wharton and Derrick gone, it looks like Andy Reid is making huge changes to the defensive line this year. Nnadi will now fly to New York to his new home. The Jets signed the Chiefs defensive star earlier this week. The details of the contract are still under wraps.

Excited to start a new chapter of life, Derrick’s longtime girlfriend Geralynn Hinton posted a story about shifting to New York City. “Proud of you baby! NEW YORK, here we come! (heart emoji)” she wrote, sharing the news. Well, that marks the end of the Derrick Nnadi era in Kansas City. From being a 2018 draft pick to winning three Super Bowls with the Chiefs, he will now be gracing the gridiron in Jets colors.

How do you think these moves are helping the Chiefs shape up for their revenge tour?