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Chiefs Must Bench Veteran Defender for Playoffs

DT Derrick Nnadi's struggles in 2024 have become too significant to ignore entering the postseason.

By Joe Summers

Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during a time out during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during a time out during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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The Chiefs are fully focused on putting the best team on the field to compete for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl, potentially cementing themselves as the greatest dynasty in NFL history.

In order to accomplish that goal, struggling players need to be cast aside in favor of more productive ones. Unfortunately, that means long-time veteran DT Derrick Nnadi doesn't belong on the field in the postseason.

He's one of the most charitable members of the organization, building a reputation as a great member of the community. However, his on-field play warrants a demotion in the most important games.

Chiefs Must Bench DT Derrick Nnadi in Playoffs

Originally a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Nnadi has spent his entire seven-year career with Kansas City. However, after starting all 34 games in the regular season over the last two seasons, Nnadi has been relegated to a rotational role in his age-28 campaign.

Pro Football Focus ranks him as 207th out of 218 qualified defensive tackles in 2024, illustrating his struggles. He's down to just 17% of the snaps, but that number should be reduced to zero to maximize the defense's chances at success.

He's accumulated just seven tackles and no sacks, yet still received the second-most snaps at the position during the Christmas Day win over the Steelers. As a pending free agent, he's been surpassed by guys like Tershawn Wharton and Mike Pennel from a production standpoint, likely indicating he won't re-sign with the team in the offseason.

Nnadi has had a tremendous career with the franchise and will be remembered fondly no matter what. That said, his limited impact is an issue that could become a problem in the playoffs. With Charles Omenihu back and Mike Danna improving alongside Wharton's breakout, there isn't much reason to give Nnadi more than a handful of snaps moving forward.

He's young enough and beloved enough that Nnadi deserves another opportunity elsewhere. Hopefully, he can continue to be the positive influence he's been in Kansas City. Based purely on the results though, it's time to move on and leave him on the sidelines.

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