According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran defensive lineman Jerry Tillery to a one-year contract on Friday. Terms of the agreement have not been released.
Sources: The #Chiefs are signing former #Chargers 1st-round DT Jerry Tillery to a 1-year deal.
Good depth add to the Kansas City D-Line, as Tillery has recorded 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 50 career starts. pic.twitter.com/9aysyt3zdK
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2025
Tillery was a first-round selection (28th overall) of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 NFL Draft. His best season in Los Angeles came in 2021 as he played 79% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps and totaled 4.5 sacks. After declining his fifth-year option, the Chargers waived him during the 2022 campaign.
Tillery finished the 2022 season with the Las Vegas Raiders after being claimed on waivers. After sticking in Las Vegas for 2023, he was a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
For his career, Tillery has appeared in 96 games with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
The Chiefs will need to replace a number of defensive line snaps in 2025. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is now a member of the Carolina Panthers. Defensive end Charles Omenihu and defensive tackles Mike Pennel and Derrick Nnadi remain unsigned in free agency.
Although his career may not have justified his draft selection, Tillery has frequently lined up both on the outside and inside of the defensive line in his NFL career. That versatility makes him a candidate for at least a rotational role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.
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