The Kansas City Chiefs continue to bolster their roster this offseason and one of their latest signings was an import from one of their division rivals.
The Chiefs added Jerry Tillery to a one-year contract earlier this week, marking his third AFC West team during his seven-year career. After starting his career as a first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019, Tillery ventured over to the Las Vegas raiders before spending last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
The one-year hiatus has landed Tillery in Kansas City. But he had something to say for his new fan base.
Jerry Tillery Endears Chiefs Fans With Latest Comments
Tillery arrived at the University of Kansas Hospital Arrowhead Training Complex to make his signing official on Wednesday. When he was done dotting the Is and crossing the Ts, Tillery took to the Chiefs’ X account to deliver his message.
“What’s up, Chiefs Kingdom? Jerry Tillery here. Excited to get started. Go Chiefs!”
These messages are common for new free agent signings and often come without mention of their former team. But for Tillery, his arrival in Kansas City feels like a new beginning and it comes with a big role.
The Chiefs lost Tershawn Wharton to a big free-agent deal with the Carolina Panthers in the opening week of free agency. Charles Omenihu and Mike Pennel also played key roles last year but are still available in free agency. Tillery isn’t the premier prospect he was out of Notre Dame but he will be relied on to be a legitimate partner for Chris Jones on the inside.
That hasn’t happened often throughout Tillery’s career as he failed to post a Pro Football Focus grade over 50 in his first four seasons with the Chargers. The 28-year-old showed signs of life when he posted a 67.7 overall grade and 63.1 run defense grade. But he regressed in a rotational role with the Vikings posting an overall grade of 50.2 and a run defense grade of 52.1.
If anything, Chiefs fans can take solace in that he’s excited to get to work and help the Chiefs try and get back to their championship form next season.