The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to taking former rivals and turning them into productive players for a contending team, ranging from guys like Justin Reid (Houston Texans) to the recently-acquired Kristian Fulton (Los Angeles Chargers).
During this dynastic run, the organization has proven that a quality coaching staff and structure goes a long way. One team's trash is another's potential treasure, and the Chiefs are the perfect example of why coaching matters.
In an unexpected move, Kansas City just signed a recent Las Vegas Raiders draft pick who could bolster the defensive line.
.@JanariusD1 ➡️ @Chiefs #LegendsLiveHere #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/HAsoIuBzw0
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) April 4, 2025
Chiefs Sign Former Raiders DE Janarius Robinson in Free Agency
According to a social media post by his agency SportsTrust Advisors, defensive end Janarius Robinson has signed with the Chiefs. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Raiders in 2021, Robinson has struggled with injuries and general ineffectiveness, though he has plenty of athletic promise and is an intriguing dart throw.
At six-foot-five and 260 pounds, Robinson was dominant at times at Minnesota in college, displaying the traits that made him a coveted mid-round prospect four years ago. If he's healthy, Robinson could be molded by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo into a productive rotational player along the defensive line.
During his career, Robinson has just 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. However, he's been hamstrung by poor coaching and a losing environment, things that won't be an issue any longer. He ranked a paltry 197th out of 211 qualified edge rushers at Pro Football Focus in 2024, yet he hasn't truly been given an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Now, he will. How Robinson could fit into the rotation isn't yet clear, with George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Pennel, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah presumably ahead of him. Acquiring Josh Uche midseason didn't work out last year, but perhaps a full offseason of training in this defensive system will give Robinson a better chance.
Regardless, it's clear that Kansas City hopes to bolster the defense and remain one of the better units in the NFL.