By fans' and organization standards, this season was a complete failure for the Kansas City Chiefs. Numerous things went wrong, including injuries, coaching, and poor play from both sides. While this all contributed to the Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, the one thing that the Chiefs can take away from watching the playoffs unfold is that they desperately need to acquire quality depth.
One player that they thought could contribute as a potential depth player was defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, who was on the team’s practice squad the last two seasons. Tuipulotu signed a reserve/futures deal with the New York Giants on Tuesday following the expiration of his practice squad contract, according to A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman.
Tuipulotu's Chiefs Tenure Ends After DT Joins Giants
If you’re unfamiliar with Tuipulotu, that’s because he was a non-factor in his tenure with the Chiefs. It’s not his fault, though, as the Chiefs' defensive line room was crowded, which made it difficult for Tuipulotu to receive any playing time.
Before joining the Chiefs, Tuipulotu was a dependable contributor for the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 43 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks across his three seasons with the team.
In his two years with the Chiefs, however, Tuipulotu played in just five games, logging five total tackles and one pressure in 78 defensive snaps. Although the Chiefs aren’t losing a contributor in Tuipulotu, the Chiefs made a mistake not signing Tuipulotu to a reserves/future contract, as his departure weakens their depth at defensive line.
Heading into the offseason, defensive linemen Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi, and Mike Pennel are all free agents. With the Chiefs currently ranking last in cap space, the likelihood that all three won’t return for the 2026 season is strong. Without them and Tuipulotu, the Chiefs are currently relying on Zacch Pickens, Omarr Norman-Lott, and Marcus Harris as their depth players.
Of the three, Pickens is the only one who’s taken a defensive snap, and he hasn’t displayed anything in his limited reps. The Chiefs know that they cannot enter next season with this current core at defensive line and must prioritize acquiring help at the position.
Luckily for them, both the draft and free agency have an abundance of interior defenders that they can pair behind the aging Chris Jones. Two names that the Chiefs should target in the offseason are free agent David Onyemata and draft prospect Peter Woods. If the Chiefs can acquire these two, they would be in tremendous shape for next season.
As for Tuipulotu, signing with the Giants gives him a chance to compete for a roster spot and an opportunity to earn a rotational role. While the Giants have some big names on the defensive line, they also don’t have much depth behind them.
Whether on special teams or on defense, hopefully Tuipulotu can obtain a consistent role with his new team.