Chiefs might have to give up on a failed signing (even if it feels harsh)

Free agency can make or break teams in the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs are no exception to that rule. The Chiefs attempted to bolster their defensive tackle depth this offseason by inking former first-rounder Jerry Tillery to a one-year deal. It wasn't necessarily a bad signing given the cheap deal that Tillery signed but there's a reason he was affordable.

Tillery is widely considered a bust considering he did not live up to his first-round draft status during his four seasons with the rival Los Angeles Chargers. Tillery became quite disliked by Chargers fans during his time in L.A. and was not retained following the end of his rookie deal. Tillery has also played for the Raiders and Vikings and now he's hoping to carve out a role for himself in Kansas City.

While Tillery should be able to make the roster, there are definitely some unknowns as the Chiefs enter training camp and the preseason slate of their schedule. First and foremost, the Chiefs have talent on their defensive line with Chris Jones, Mike Pennel, and rookie second-rounder Omarr Norman-Lott already on the roster. Tillery will have to show that he can keep up with those guys (or at least keep up with Norman-Lott) if he wants to stick around.

There's also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the rest of the guys fighting for a defensive tackle spot. Fabien Lovett Sr., Marlon Tuipulotu, and Coziah Izzard are also trying to find their way onto the Chiefs' roster and if they're going to take anyone's spot, it'd be Tillery's. Are any of those guys up for that task?

Jerry Tillery isn't a lock to make Chiefs' 53-man roster by any stretch

Tillery might have experience in the league but what happens if any of the aforementioned guys end up balling out in preseason? Would the Chiefs be willing to go with one of the unproven guys over Tillery? He'd be the odd man out at defensive tackle should Lovett, Izzard, or Tuipulotu show they'd be worth keeping around.

Tillery was a first-round pick by the Chargers in 2019 after a stellar college career at Notre Dame. He wasn't bad by any means but Chargers fans grew to dislike him simply because he hadn't lived up to his first-round draft status, making him an easy player to depart with when it was clear the two sides weren't vibing.

Chiefs fans hope that Tillery can find his footing in Kansas City but if he continues to underwhelm this summer, don't be surprised if the team axes him before the regular season even begins.