Throughout the 2023 offseason, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had been trying to solidify the protection forward of defending their Tremendous Bowl LVII title. Defensive finish Charles Omenihu was the headliner for that goal, signing a two-year contract value $16 million, however linebacker Drue Tranquill was sneakily probably the most helpful.
The previous Los Angeles Chargers linebacker signed a one-year deal for slightly below $2.5 million in assured wage. He went from a 16-game starter with the Chargers to beginning simply 8 video games in Kansas Metropolis, however was a key member of the elite protection that made the back-to-back Tremendous Bowl wins potential.
That was confirmed when the Chiefs signed Tranquill to a three-year contract earlier than the 2024 season. He began each sport potential during the last two years and made certain he’d be beginning the subsequent one on Kansas Metropolis’s schedule, too.
Tranquill and his illustration labored with Chiefs normal supervisor Brett Veach to scale back his 2026 wage, the choice to a possible commerce of the veteran linebacker to the New York Giants. Tranquill defined the method throughout a press convention on Thursday.
“There were a lot of variables,” Tranquill mirrored on with reporters. “Some family stuff, my wife having our fourth child, but they really did a nice job of getting a win-win scenario for all parties. I definitely want to help this team bring a championship back here. We love it here.”
Tranquill might be looking for his second Tremendous Bowl ring, however that’s finally not why he was set on remaining with the Chiefs.
“Familiarity, the coaching staff,” Tranquill listed as motivation to work out a lowered wage. “The guys you develop relationships with in this league, and you realize you have something special, I think you want to be a part of it. I certainly love our room, I love our coaches, I love the guys in there. This place has become special to me.”
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 27: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs exits the sector after an NFL soccer sport towards the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. (Picture by Perry Knotts/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
Whereas the staff’s beginning WILL linebacker is projected to be Tranquill for the third consecutive season, there might be a brand new participant beginning on the SAM linebacker spot. Leo Chenal has held the position for many of his profession since being chosen within the third spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft, and it received’t be simple to switch the versatile linebacker who signed a three-year contract value almost $25 million with the Washington Commanders.
“I don’t know that you can replace Leo,” Tranquill admitted. “I think he is kind of one of one in what he can do. If you just throw on the tape, you can see all the different positions he lined up at for us… Obviously, that SAM ‘backer role is kind of up for grabs, and we have a lot of guys in our room competing hard for it, and they’ll do some creative things. He’s a great player, and Washington is definitely lucky to have him.”
Tranquill additionally had optimistic notes to share about fellow linebackers Jack Cochrane, Cooper McDonald and Jeff Bassa. The trio of reserve linebackers might be combating for a daily spot within the Chiefs’ protection, and would possible be absorbing all the assistance from veterans the staff can.
One of many staff’s latest veterans is a well-known face to Tranquill. Security Alohi Gilman shared the sector with him in Los Angeles and on the College of Notre Dame. To say the reunited gamers are good mates is an understatement.
“Lo and I have a special relationship, obviously dating back to Notre Dame,” Tranquill started. “He’s one of those guys that, out of a lot of guys I’ve played with, he’s up there in terms of guys I have respect for. If you just look at his journey to how he got here, specifically transferring from Navy to Notre Dame, and the transfer portal wasn’t what it [is] now back then… after sitting out the year, he was still voted team captain in his second year at Notre Dame, having never played a snap on the field.”
“I think it just speaks to his leadership,” Tranquill continued. “He’s kind of like a magnet in that guys kind of draw to him. I don’t know what it is about him. I think he’s got a swagger to himself and the way he plays, but he’s also super intelligent and is kind of a leader of men. I’ve always respected that about Lo.”
When the 2 are off the sector, the actions could look a bit totally different than the final time they had been collectively.
“He taught me how to surf when I was out with the Chargers,” Tranquill mentioned. “You recognize, he’s a Hawaii man, however he brings a shot of vitality.“
Whereas Tranquill settles in for his fourth season in Kansas Metropolis, the tradition that makes it particular to him ought to be boosted by the addition of Gilman.
