Model new Chiefs addition ‘excited’ to be on the opposite aspect of AFC West rivalry
New Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill most likely didn’t should assume too arduous about becoming a member of an AFC West rival this offseason.
Switching allegiances and becoming a member of a divisional rivalry could pose as an ethical quandary for some NFL gamers, however not Drue Tranquill.
The newly minted Kansas City Chiefs linebacker gave 4 principally wholesome years to the Los Angeles Chargers earlier than deciding to affix the reigning Tremendous Bowl champs this offseason.
And because the in style tattoo goes: he has no ragrets.
After a breakout 2022 season that noticed Tranquill rack up 146 mixed tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, he walked proper out of the Chargers’ palms and into the Chiefs facility. Because the Chargers’ marquee free agent, Tranquill signed a one-year, $3 million take care of Kansas Metropolis, a deal so low cost that Los Angeles weren’t projected to obtain a compensatory decide in return.
When requested concerning the intra-divisional transfer, Tranquill mentioned it was “bizarre” at first to be in his rival’s constructing signing a contract, however that he was finally “excited” for this subsequent new chapter of his profession.
Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill turns up the warmth on AFC West rivalry
In all chance, the Chargers would have been very happy to pay Tranquill as a lot because the Chiefs have been paying him. LA already inked former Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks to a profitable deal, however Tranquill had became a beloved fan-favorite and productive starter within the final half decade and will have served as a defensive cornerstone piece to construct round.
Seeing Tranquill go away for a division rival simply hurts much more.
Tranquill apparently had another excuse for becoming a member of the Chiefs, which was the truth that he had one thing to show in Kansas Metropolis. In Los Angeles, his spot was safe. On a Tremendous Bowl-caliber roster just like the Chiefs, Tranquill was advised he must “earn his method,” and he fortunately invited the problem.
As coated by Arrowhead Addict’s Matt Conner, Tranquill described how Kansas Metropolis lured him over:
Brett Veach’s and Andy Reid’s message was, ‘Drue, there are not any guarantees right here. We love you as a participant and love what you’re capable of do. You’re tremendous versatile and a complete linebacker who can do all of it, however we’ve acquired plenty of nice gamers right here. You’re gonna have to return in right here and earn your method.’
The previous Notre Dame product defined that he picked Chiefs for a similar purpose he picked the Combating Irish over Purdue. Whereas Purdue advised him he would play instantly, Notre Dame advised him he must combat for a roster spot.
Tranquill’s final touch upon his Chargers-Chiefs change will make Chargers followers just a little sizzling beneath the collar:
If I’ve realized something in my story, it’s once I’ve surrounded myself with people who find themselves nearly as good or higher than I’m, I’ve at all times felt higher popping out the opposite finish.
The insinuation being: the Chargers’ roster isn’t as “good” because the Chiefs one. Prepare for some fireworks on this AFC West rivalry in 2023.
