During the 2023 offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs were looking to solidify the defense ahead of defending their Super Bowl LVII title. Defensive end Charles Omenihu was the headliner for that objective, signing a two-year contract worth $16 million, but linebacker Drue Tranquill was sneakily the most valuable.
The former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker signed a one-year deal for just under $2.5 million in guaranteed salary. He went from a 16-game starter with the Chargers to starting just 8 games
in Kansas City, but was a key member of the elite defense that made the back-to-back Super Bowl wins possible.
That was proven when the Chiefs signed Tranquill to a three-year contract before the 2024 season. He started every game possible over the last two years and made sure he’d be starting the next one on Kansas City’s schedule, too.
Tranquill and his representation worked with Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to reduce his 2026 salary, the alternative to a potential trade of the veteran linebacker to the New York Giants. Tranquill explained the process during a press conference on Thursday.
“There were a lot of variables,” Tranquill reflected on with reporters. “Some family stuff, my wife having our fourth child, but they really did a nice job of getting a win-win scenario for all parties. I definitely want to help this team bring a championship back here. We love it here.”
Tranquill will be seeking his second Super Bowl ring, but that is ultimately not why he was set on remaining with the Chiefs.
“Familiarity, the coaching staff,” Tranquill listed as motivation to work out a reduced salary. “The guys you develop relationships with in this league, and you realize you have something special, I think you want to be a part of it. I certainly love our room, I love our coaches, I love the guys in there. This place has become special to me.”
While the team’s starting WILL linebacker is projected to be Tranquill for the third consecutive season, there will be a new player starting at the SAM linebacker spot. Leo Chenal has held the role for most of his career since being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and it won’t be easy to replace the versatile linebacker who signed a three-year contract worth nearly $25 million with the Washington Commanders.
“I don’t know that you can replace Leo,” Tranquill admitted. “I think he is kind of one of one in what he can do. If you just throw on the tape, you can see all the different positions he lined up at for us… Obviously, that SAM ‘backer role is kind of up for grabs, and we have a lot of guys in our room competing hard for it, and they’ll do some creative things. He’s a great player, and Washington is definitely lucky to have him.”
Tranquill also had positive notes to share about fellow linebackers Jack Cochrane, Cooper McDonald and Jeff Bassa. The trio of reserve linebackers will be fighting for a regular spot in the Chiefs’ defense, and would likely be soaking up all the help from veterans the team can.
One of the team’s newest veterans is a familiar face to Tranquill. Safety Alohi Gilman shared the field with him in Los Angeles and at the University of Notre Dame. To say the reunited players are good friends is an understatement.
“Lo and I have a special relationship, obviously dating back to Notre Dame,” Tranquill began. “He’s one of those guys that, out of a lot of guys I’ve played with, he’s up there in terms of guys I have respect for. If you just look at his journey to how he got here, specifically transferring from Navy to Notre Dame, and the transfer portal wasn’t what it [is] now back then… after sitting out the year, he was still voted team captain in his second year at Notre Dame, having never played a snap on the field.”
“I think it just speaks to his leadership,” Tranquill continued. “He’s kind of like a magnet in that guys kind of draw to him. I don’t know what it is about him. I think he’s got a swagger to himself and the way he plays, but he’s also super intelligent and is kind of a leader of men. I’ve always respected that about Lo.”
When the two are off the field, the activities may look a little different than the last time they were together.
“He taught me how to surf when I was out with the Chargers,” Tranquill said. “You know, he’s a Hawaii guy, but he brings a shot of energy.“
While Tranquill settles in for his fourth season in Kansas City, the culture that makes it special to him should be boosted by the addition of Gilman.
