Kansas City Chiefs Sign Local DE Nate Matlack to Boost Pass Rush

The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered their defensive line with a familiar face. On Monday, the team announced the signing of defensive end Nate Matlack. The move came after the Chiefs placed safety Deon Bush and defensive end Janarius Robinson on injured reserve. Both players are sidelined, creating opportunities for fresh depth along the defensive front. Matlack’s signing is notable given his deep ties to the Kansas City area. He grew up in Olathe, Kansas, just 25 miles southwest of Arrowhead Stadium. His path from high school standout to NFL rookie reflects years of steady growth. Now, he has the chance to contribute to a championship-caliber defense in his hometown.

Nate Matlack’s Journey to Kansas City

Nate Matlack starred at Olathe High School, earning recognition as one of Kansas’ top defensive prospects. He committed to Kansas State in 2020, redshirting his first year with the Wildcats. In 2021, he delivered 17 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. His performance earned him Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honorable mention honors. Over the next two seasons, Matlack built a reputation for consistent backfield disruption. In 2023, he recorded 15 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks. His combination of length and athleticism made him a versatile piece on the Wildcats’ front. After four seasons in Manhattan, he entered the transfer portal for his final year.

From Kansas State to Pitt

Nate Matlack transferred to Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, seeking new challenges and exposure. Under new defensive line coach Tim Daoust, he started all 13 games for the Panthers. He finished with 22 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks. Matlack also added three pass breakups and one forced fumble to his stat line. He made a season-high three tackles in five separate contests for Pitt. That included rivalry wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia early in the season. His presence provided steady production against both ACC opponents and nonconference competition. The year further showcased his ability to impact games from multiple alignments.

Final Thoughts

Nate Matlack also drew NFL interest before signing, working out for the Carolina Panthers in July. He will now join former Pitt teammate Brandon George, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. Kansas City’s defensive front benefits from his size, skill set and collegiate experience. With injuries on the roster, he could quickly see preseason and regular-season snaps if he’s able to pick things up quickly and get on the same page with his new teammates and coaching staff.