Here's why Jerry Tillery felt Chiefs were a 'perfect fit'
Tillery joined Chiefs on a one-year deal during free agency
NFL free agency is often about having choices.
Defensive lineman Jerry Tillery’s decision to sign a one-year deal with the Chiefs likely proved an easy decision.
“There was a lot on the table, but the Kansas City Chiefs have a lot to offer in terms of consistency, winning culture and style of play," Tillery said during a recent Zoom teleconference media availability. "These are things I emulate in my game, so it felt like a perfect fit.”
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound Tillery originally entered the league in 2019 out of Notre Dame as a first-round pick with the Los Angeles Chargers. He then spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders (2022-23) and Minnesota Vikings (2024).
Tillery, who turns 29 in October, has appeared in 96 career games with 50 starts, racking up 175 tackles (89 solo), 12.5 sacks, 44 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles.
And the veteran brings a versatile skill set to either play defensive tackle or defensive end.
"Wherever I can be out there and wherever it is on the line to help our team win, that's what I want to do,” Tillery said. “You know, if that's outside, if that’s inside, I think I can do both.
“I got both bells in my game, and so I'm able to help us however we can. And I think it's with the right people, with the right group, you can really do something special. And I think that's what we've got here."
While the Chiefs have a plug-and-play option with Tillery, it wouldn’t surprise if the Chiefs add another defensive tackle in the upcoming NFL draft.
But for now, Tillery projects to line up inside alongside All-Pro Chris Jones when considering defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi signed elsewhere during free agency.
Tillery’s presence in Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy scheme should provide the defensive lineman a chance to play the only way he knows how.
“To be aggressive on defense is how you have to play and that's my nature, that's my style,” Tillery said. “I think you know what Spags is doing has obviously won a lot of games, and to be with the Chiefs now and see how they do it is going to be great for my game, for my career, so I’m excited about it."
