Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Chiefs have officially parted ways with one of the longtime defenders from their championship core, ending an era for a player who spent nearly his entire career helping build the franchise’s recent dynasty.
The veteran defensive tackle had reportedly hoped to remain in Kansas City and was even willing to accept a reduced salary to stay with the organization that drafted him.
However, the Chiefs ultimately chose not to bring the veteran back in free agency, forcing him to explore opportunities elsewhere around the league.
Derrick Nnadi has agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts after the Kansas City Chiefs declined to re-sign the three-time Super Bowl champion.
Nnadi was originally selected by Kansas City in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and quickly became a reliable presence on the defensive line.
Over eight seasons with the Chiefs, he appeared in 130 regular-season games and started 98, while also contributing in 18 postseason contests during the team’s Super Bowl runs.
Throughout Kansas City’s dominant stretch in recent years, Nnadi played an important role in the interior defensive rotation, helping the team capture multiple championships and maintain one of the league’s most physical defensive fronts.
While his playing time and statistical production declined in recent seasons, the veteran remained a respected presence in the locker room and a dependable contributor along the defensive line.
During the 2025 season, Nnadi appeared in 15 games, finishing with 16 tackles and three quarterback pressures while continuing to provide depth inside for the Chiefs’ defense.
Now in Indianapolis, Nnadi brings valuable championship experience to a Colts defensive line anchored by DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, giving the team another experienced presence in the trenches.
For Kansas City, the move represents another emotional farewell from a roster that delivered multiple Super Bowl titles. For Nnadi, it marks the beginning of a new chapter after nearly a decade wearing Chiefs red.
