Former Chargers LB Drue Tranquill signs with Chiefs

One of the Chargers’ most important departing free agents is heading to a division rival.

Jordan Schultz reported Friday that linebacker Drue Tranquill signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs. Additional reporting from Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated revealed the deal to be worth $3 million, with incentives to reach up to $5 million.

Tranquill, a 2019 fourth-round pick of the Chargers, enjoyed a career year in 2022, his first as a full-time starter. The Notre Dame product racked up 146 total tackles with 5 sacks, all of which felt like they came at critical moments of games. But Los Angeles and Tranquill could not agree on his market value entering this offseason, and he ultimately decided to test free agency.

In one of the more bizarre linebacker markets of recent years, it seems as though Tranquill didn’t find the kinds of offers he was looking for. The Chargers moved on quickly, signing Eric Kendricks on Monday, leaving Tranquill to pick from the deals he’d been offered by other teams. He reportedly chose the Chiefs over a number of other suitors.

In Kansas City, Tranquill will be used where he’s best: as a coverage linebacker and blitzer. With Nick Bolton, Willie Gay, and Leo Chenal already in the mix at the position, Tranquill’s primary role will likely be disrupting the passing game on third downs. Let’s just hope he takes it easy on his former team.