Linebacker Drue Tranquill is reportedly close to signing a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, locking up a significant contributor before the start of free agency.
According to reports, the Chiefs are moving before free agency opens in order to retain a key 2023 player in Kansas City for the team’s impending three-peat campaign.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Chiefs are “expected to reach an agreement on a new contract” with linebacker Drue Tranquill.
Tranquill’s contract is for three years and $19 million, of which $13 million is fully guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter’s report.
Prior to the 2023 season, Tranquill inked a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chiefs.
He then went on to play more than 53% of the defensive snaps throughout the regular season and fill a variety of roles in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.This February, Tranquill made it clear how much he valued his 2023 season in Kansas City during the team’s Super Bowl parade.
Tranquill told KSHB 41, “Hey, this is way better than LA, I can tell you that much, baby.”
“Millions of people are present in these streets; they are vibrant.
This is a unique occasion. I’m going to grab your microphone. Really, my gosh.
Miami has them. Buffalo, you got them. in Baltimore, during a snowstorm.
There’s no way you can defeat those enormous nasty wolves! And the 49ers, the big, evil team. Ah, you’re entering. Well, guy, this, that, and the other.
T-Swift (Taylor Swift), Big Red (Andy Reid), and the boys arrived and took it.
They didn’t give it to us; we took it instead. Right now, I don’t even have a voice.
I cherish you all.”
In the run-up to the Super Bowl, Tranquill talked about his “whirlwind” year in Kansas City, reflecting on an email he got from head coach Andy Reid during the previous season’s free agency.
“It has been quite hectic,” Tranquill remarked. “You know, as a child, you dream about this. You wish to participate in this game.
This is the biggest game in the biggest league in the world, the ultimate football match. It’s funny to think back on that text that Coach Reid sent, but it’s weird.
Although it’s been a long eight, or perhaps ten, months since then, we’ve worked really hard and are thrilled about this chance.”
What do the Chiefs stand to gain from Tranquill’s new contract?
After Willie Gay Jr., another pending free agent, tweeted that he had “probably played my last game in Arrowhead,” Tranquill’s signing provides stability at linebacker for KC. Nick Bolton, the starting middle linebacker, and Leo Chenal, the third-year linebacker, provide a starting-caliber group, with potential depth from Jack Cochrane and Cam Jones behind them.
Tranquill played a variety of positions in 2023, including replacing Bolton without the defense showing any signs of weakness.As
If Bolton has another injury, he can be considered short-term insurance, and if KC is unable to come to an agreement on a possible Bolton extension, he can be considered long-term insurance.
This is a real investment in Tranquill, effectively securing a two-year contract for the 28-year-old who will turn 29 in August, regardless of what happens next. This is a reasonable fit for the Chiefs as they shore up a crucial defensive line member before free agency erupts, given his versatility, ability to fill a variety of positions in Spagnuolo’s scheme, and matchup fit against contemporary passing offenses.
