Just one year after making an emotional return to the Kansas City Chiefs, a familiar face is once again heading out the door — and fans can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. The veteran star, who helped the Chiefs capture three Super Bowl titles during the team’s recent dynasty run, had only rejoined the roster last season in what many believed would be a meaningful final chapter with the franchise. At the time, the reunion felt like the perfect full-circle moment for both the player and the organization. Supporters welcomed him back, hoping to see one more memorable run in Kansas City colors. But now, barely a year later, the story has taken another unexpected turn. News of his latest departure is already stirring conversation across NFL circles, with many wondering what changed behind the scenes so quickly. And according to early reports, the real reason for the sudden exit may be more complicated than it first appeared.
A THREE-TIME Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs has parted ways with the team just one year after returning.
The Chiefs are currently orchestrating a major NFL roster overhaul with several key stars moving on in free agency.
The Kansas City Chiefs have allowed a three-time Super Bowl champion to walk in free agency
The veteran defensive tackle left in 2025 free agency only to return via a trade with the New York Jets
One of the latest to head for the exit is defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who they traded with the New York Jets for just last August.
He had left the Chiefs in free agency last year to join the Jets but they ultimately decided they wanted him back.
Now Nnadi has left Kansas City once again, this time to join the Indianapolis Colts.
Per the Indy Star, Nnadi has signed for the veteran salary benefit, which will see him paid $1,487,500 this year.
However, he only counts against the cap as a player with two NFL seasons, meaning the cap hit is just $1.075 million.
In his first seven years with the Chiefs, which saw him win three Super Bowls, he only missed one regular season game ever.
He lost his spot as a starter in 2024 which saw his output naturally diminish on the field.
Through his entire NFL career, Nnadi has played 130 games, making 249 total tackles, 5 sacks, 1 pick and 13 stuffs.
The former third-round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft should be a handy depth piece on Shane Steichen’s defensive line.
He joins a Colts defensive tackle room that includes veterans DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Nnadi follows several notable players out of the Chiefs exit as head coach Andy Reid makes wholesale roster changes.
Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach has also been fairly aggressive in seeking draft capital for some of their very best.
Veach sent All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams in return for the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a fifth and sixth and 2027 third-round pick.
The Rams subsequently made McDuffie the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback as they look to revamp their secondary.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs will have two first-round picks as they look to bring in elite young talent on rookie deals.
