Jerry Tillery
Getty
The Chiefs have lost defensive lineman Jerry Tillery in free agency, as he's signed with the Colts
The Kansas City Chiefs are retooling after missing out on the playoffs in 2025. Much of their success in 2026 will depend on the health of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a torn ACL and LCL late last season. Mahomes is expected to play in the upcoming campaign, but he may miss the start of the year as he continues to recover from this serious injury.
With Mahomes’ status uncertain, the Chiefs have looked for unique ways to build up their roster. In order to do so, though, the front office knows it is going to have to move on from some of its players from last season. One guy who hit the open market this offseason was former first-round defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, and it looks like he’s found a new home with the Indianapolis Colts.
Colts Sign Jerry Tillery to 1-Year Contract
Ari Meirov
The #Colts have signed former 1st-round DL Jerry Tillery, who was with the Kansas City Chiefs last year.
Tillery was selected with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, but he’s struggled to find his way throughout his career in the league. After spending the first three-and-a-half seasons of his career with the Chargers, he was released midway through the 2022 season, with the Las Vegas Raiders quickly scooping him up.
Things didn’t go particularly well for Tillery with the Raiders, and he’s since spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and Chiefs. After Tillery appeared to be figuring things out in 2024 with the Vikings, Tillery took a step back in 2025, as he racked up just 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks, despite playing in all 17 games for the team.
It wasn’t much of a surprise to see Kansas City let Tillery hit the open market, as he didn’t make much of an impact in his lone season with the team. After losing some defensive line depth throughout free agency, the Colts have decided to take a flier on him, as they have scooped up Tillery on a one-year deal.
“The Colts have signed former 1st-round DL Jerry Tillery, who was with the Kansas City Chiefs last year,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported in a post on X.
Chiefs Could Look to Shore Up Defensive Line Depth After Losing Jerry Tillery
Jerry Tillery
GettyThe Chiefs have lost defensive lineman Jerry Tillery in free agency, as he’s signed with the Colts
Tillery certainly wasn’t the most impactful player to suit up for Kansas City last season, but he was a depth option on the defensive line who could hold his own when he found his way onto the field. Injuries are always bound to pop up over the course of a full campaign, so having guys waiting in the wings who are capable of filling in when needed is crucial.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chiefs look to add a bargain bin option in free agency to replace Tillery, or they could simply address this spot in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Every departure is significant at this stage of the game, but if Kansas City’s front office plays its cards right, it should have no problem replacing Tillery before the new season gets underway.