Kansas City Chiefs former linebacker Dadi Nicolas has found a home for the 2018 season by signing with the Washington Redskins.
To say that it has been a frustrating offseason for former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicolas would be an understatement. The former Hokies linebacker who many Chiefs fans thought could be the answer rushing the passer in Kansas City was let go this offseason.
During Nicolas’ days at Virginia Tech, he collected 35.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The former 2016 sixth-round pick showed great athleticism and burst but also lacked in size for what the Chiefs wanted him to do. He was a player that displayed some flashes in the preseason leaving fans wanting more from a shiny new toy. Nicolas never got that opportunity following an injury his rookie season.
During the offseason, the Chiefs made a trade with the Cleveland Browns for tight end Randall Telfer. The deal was later nullified, and both players would be waived from their respected teams. Neither player received a contract from the other team involved in the trade.
After making it through waivers, Nicolas signed with the Seattle Seahawks in May. He was expected to add some depth at the linebacker position and participate on special teams. He was later cut and back to free agency.
The Washington Redskins have decided to give the young linebacker an opportunity early in training camp. It’s unclear at this point how the Washington Redskins look to use him in their defense, but he could be a special teams contributor right away. While the Redskins have a lack of depth at the edge rushing position, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make a positional move on the roster.
I would be interested to see the Redskins try and move Nicolas to inside linebacker as a positional player. Someone that comes in on specific play styles. Standing at 6’3″ and 239 pounds, Nicolas lacks the size and strength to be an edge rusher in the NFL. Could he be a weapon on the inside position in certain situations?