The Kansas City Chiefs are turning to nostalgia for the 2026 season. Eric Bieniemy is back as offensive coordinator, Travis Kelce might run it back for another season, and some fans are even hoping that Tyreek Hill will return to Arrowhead Stadium.
However, the Chiefs can't afford to let any nostalgic emotions lead to keeping Derrick Nnadi around. They brought back the former 2018 draft pick last season, but he looked like a shell of himself and shouldn't be brought back when he becomes a free agent next month.
The offseason is a time to find solutions, though. With the Chicago Bears getting trade calls for Gervon Dexter, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs must join the race.
Gervon Dexter's Potential Availability Could Help Chiefs Ditch Derrick Nnadi
"Teams have inquired with the Bears about trading for DT Gervon Dexter, as the free-agent DT market and draft class are not deep. The 24-year-old started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract," Schultz reported on Thursday.
Dexter is still young (24), and he's got a minuscule cap hit of $2.1 million next season. He would've been tied for second in Kansas City with 6.0 sacks, adding 44 tackles, 11 QB hits, six tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries while starting every game for the Chicago Bears.
Nnadi, on the other hand, was the worst-graded defensive tackle in the first nine weeks of the regular season (33.7), according to Pro Football Focus. His performance did look better in the second half of the season; however, it wasn't good enough to warrant a return.
Nnadi made 15 appearances last season, logging just 16 tackles, none of which were for loss. He also had one quarterback hit, and his 12.1 missed tackle percentage was the worst in his career. His three pressures ranked 131st among 134 eligible players at his position, per PFF.
Nnadi used to be an elite run stopper and a fan favorite. He stuck around long enough to see himself turn into a villain in Kansas City, and there's no actual incentive to consider bringing him back for another season.
As for Dexter, the Bears might look to revamp their entire defensive line after posting the second-lowest pass-rush win rate in the league last season (29%), according to ESPN. He played his part and was one of the few bright spots on their shaky defensive line, but with a former second-round pick like Shemar Turner also waiting in line to get more playing time, they might be tempted to let him go at a fair price.
That's why the Chiefs have to be ready to engage in trade talks with the Bears. Nnadi is no longer right for the franchise's goals, whereas adding Dexter could make defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's already-talented unit that much more dangerous next season.