KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are making moves to bolster their roster by signing defensive lineman Jerry Tillery and bringing back running back Kareem Hunt. This information comes from two individuals with inside knowledge of these agreements. They shared this news on the condition of anonymity since the deals have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Tillery and Hunt have each secured one-year contracts, providing experience and skill to areas where the Chiefs needed depth. Tillery, aged 28, was initially drafted in the first round by the Chargers, who share the AFC West with the Chiefs. He moved through the division, subsequently playing for the Raiders, and spent last season with the Vikings. During that time, he started in 11 games and participated in all 17.
Tillery’s versatility allows him to play as both a defensive tackle and end. It’s expected that Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, will utilize him in multiple positions due to his flexible playing style. What stands out is Tillery’s fit at the tackle position, where the Chiefs were lacking depth beyond All-Pro talent Chris Jones. Tillery, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 295 pounds, brings with him 12 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles over a career of 50 starts and 96 games.
Hunt, now 29, is making a return to Kansas City, where he originally began his professional career. His trajectory was interrupted by an off-the-field issue but he made a comeback for the Chiefs in September when Isiah Pacheco, the starting running back, was sidelined by injury. Hunt performed commendably, becoming a pivotal player even after Pacheco’s return. He ended the season with 728 rushing yards and seven touchdowns from 200 carries, alongside 23 receptions for an additional 176 yards. In the playoffs, Hunt scored in victories against Houston and Buffalo, but managed only nine yards on three attempts in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia.
Over the course of eight NFL seasons, Hunt has compiled an impressive 5,164 rushing yards and 64 total touchdowns. Returning to the Chiefs, he joins a backfield that features Pacheco, playing out the final year of his rookie deal, and Elijah Mitchell, signed earlier in the free agency period. Mitchell comes in as a replacement for Samaje Perine, who departed for the Bengals.
