Jets, defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi agree to terms
Derrick Nnadi celebrates after Kansas City. beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City. Credit: Getty Images
The Jets are adding more depth for their defensive line rotation.
Former Kansas City defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi is signing with the Jets. His agency, SportsTrust Advisors, announced the signing.
The 6-1, 317-pound Nnadi spent seven seasons with Kansas City and was a part of three Super Bowl-winning teams.
The Jets needed to shore up their defensive front this offseason. Tackle Quinnen Williams, edge rushers Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson — who is coming back from a torn Achilles tendon — are the only returning linemen with guaranteed deals for this season. Solomon Thomas, Haason Reddick and Javon Kinlaw signed with other teams.
Nnadi, 28, is the fourth defensive lineman and third tackle that the Jets reached deals with during the first week of free agency. They also signed edge rusher Rashad Weaver and interior linemen Byron Cowart and Jay Tufele. Nnadi is the most proven and experienced and potentially could start next to Williams.
A third-round pick in 2018, Nnadi was a good run stopper for Kansas City playing alongside All-Pro tackle Chris Jones. Nnadi started 86 games over his first six seasons. He has 233 tackles and five sacks in 115 career games. He has also played in 18 playoff games with 12 starts.
Nnadi’s role and usage were reduced last year. He started only one game and had 11 tackles.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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