Vikings Defender Picks the Chiefs as His New Team

By 
·March 17, 2025
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings will not retain defensive tackle Jerry Tillery in 2025.

Vikings Defender Picks the Chiefs as His New Team

The veteran lineman chose the Kansas Chiefs last week as his new employer, a free-agent addition to the team walloped by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

FOX Sports‘ Jordan Schultz tweeted Friday, “Sources: The Chiefs are signing former Chargers 1st-round DT Jerry Tillery to a 1-year deal. Good depth add to the Kansas City D-Line, as Tillery has recorded 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 50 career starts.”

Now What for the Chiefs?

With the Tillery addition, Kansas City will employ these defensive tackles in 2025, at least as of March 17th:

It’s a one-year deal worth $2.75 million for Tillery. If the regular season kicked off tonight, Tillery would likely experience ample playing time, but the upcoming draft is stuffed to the gills with promising defensive tackle talent, so, in theory, Tillery could compete with a rookie for a starter’s job in July and August.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume to date:

And Tillery’s NFL resume since 2019:

Arrowhead Pride‘s Jared Sapp wrote about the Tillery addition last weekend, “The Chiefs will need to replace a number of defensive line snaps in 2025. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is now a member of the Carolina Panthers. Defensive end Charles Omenihu and defensive tackles Mike Pennel and Derrick Nnadi remain unsigned in free agency.”

“Although his career may not have justified his draft selection, Tillery has frequently lined up both on the outside and inside of the defensive line in his NFL career. That versatility makes him a candidate for at least a rotational role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.”

Vikings’ Outlook with Tillery

Tillery’s replacement arrived twofold last week, as Minnesota signed two premiere defensive tackles, significant upgrades: Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. For years — decades, even — fans asked the purple team to upgrade at the DT spot, at long last, the front office obliged with Allen and Hargrave.

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores chats with the media on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, after his team beat the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 23-22 on December 1st. Minnesota hired Flores before the start of the 2023 season to lead the defense.

This is Minnesota’s new look DT group:

Jerry Tillery Background

Tillery is a markedly better pass rusher than run-stuffer, though he shouldn’t be considered a quarterback-pressure savant. In NFL-speak, he’s fairly average and never totally effectuated his 1st-Round draft stock. It is unclear if Tillery will certifiably start for the 2025 Chiefs, but the aforementioned draft should provide clarity.

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Minnesota’s defense ranked second per DVOA in 2024 under Brian Flores and improved mightily from the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. With 2024 free-agent newcomers Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, the Vikings’ defense became a formidable unit and will look to get even better in 2025 with the Allen and Hargrave. Tillery represents a little bit of addition by subtraction.

Chiefs’ Free Agency & Offseason to Date

Like most Super Bowl-contending clubs, especially ones hoping to return to dynastic form like the Chiefs, Kansas City had to construct a free agency on a strapped budget. Since March 10th, the Chiefs have added newcomer free agents Samaje Perine (RB), Jaylon Moore (OT), Elijah Mitchell (RB), and Kristian Fulton (CB).

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Kansas City has about $28 million in cap space, $10 million of which will go toward a draft class in late April. Minnesota, on the other hand, has about $33 million on hand.

Tillery will turn 29 in October.

Also Read:
Dustin Baker’s Post-Free Agency Vikings Mock Draft

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.

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