Andy Reid, Chiefs Lose Defensive Tackle on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 3:16 PM ET

Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs began the 2025 NFL season in position to make the playoffs, finishing out the first eight games with a 5-3 record. But the Chiefs fell apart in the second half of the season, ending 2025 with a 6-11 record and missing the postseason for just the second time since Reid took over the head coaching job in 2013.

Kansas City has been making moves this offseason as it eyes a return to the playoffs. While the Chiefs have added key pieces to Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, they have also lost several important contributors. The team traded Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams , and fellow cornerback Jaylen Watson departed in free agency. But those were not the only defensive losses Kansas City suffered after the 2025 season.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stands on the sideline.© Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Jerry Tillery, after spending his college career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The defensive tackle spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chargers, appearing in 54 games before being waived in the middle of the 2022 NFL season.

After brief stints with the Las Vegas Raiders (2022-23) and Minnesota Vikings (2024), Tillery joined the Chiefs as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season, signing a one-year deal. He played in all 17 games with Kansas City, totaling 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a stuff

But with Kansas City bringing in former New England Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga in free agency, Tillery decided it was time for yet another change. And on Tuesday, it was announced that Tillery has signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, leaving Reid and the Chiefs without a reliable option on the defensive line.

"The Colts on Tuesday signed free agent defensive tackle Jerry Tillery," the Colts wrote.