The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran free-agent defensive tackle Jerry Tillery to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, according to Chiefs.com's Matt McMullen. Tiller will join the Chiefs in 2025 after recording 28 tackles (13 solo) and a forced fumble in 17 regular-season games (11 starts) in his lone season with the Minnesota Vikings. His 467 defensive snaps ranked fourth among defensive linemen on the team. The 28-year-old was mostly used as a defensive end in Minnesota's 3-4 defensive scheme, but he's expected to compete for an interior defensive-tackle role in the Chiefs' 4-3 defense this summer in training camp. Tillery is versatile for his ability to play both on the interior and on the outside, but he's unlikely to suddenly become an option in IDP fantasy formats. The former first-rounder of the Los Angeles Chargers has only 12.5 sacks in six NFL seasons and has never had more than 51 total tackles in a single season.
The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent defensive tackle Jerry Tillery to a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million on Thursday, according to a source. The former first-round pick (28th overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 draft out of Notre Dame played the 2023 campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders and had 31 tackles (11 solo), two sacks, six QB hits and a fumble recovery in 17 games played (six starts). The 27-year-old figures to provide interior depth on Minnesota's defensive line in 2024 and won't be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues. Tillery has totaled 147 tackles (76 solo), 12.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 41 QB hits, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 79 games (39 starts) in his five NFL seasons to this point.
The Las Vegas Raiders claimed former first-round defensive tackle Jerry Tillery off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday. Besides the Raiders, the Lions, Panthers, Colts, 49ers, Jets, Giants and Chiefs all put in waiver claims for Tillery. The 26-year-old will now head to the Chargers' division rivals after posting 106 tackles (57 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 33 QB hits, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in his four seasons with the Bolts. He had his best season last year, but Tillery has struggled in seven games in 2022 and is also dealing with a back injury. In his seven games this year, Tillery has just eight tackles (five solo), one sack and a forced fumble. Tiller will work to get healthy before providing depth on the Raiders' D-line the rest of the season.
The Los Angeles Chargers waived former first-round defensive tackle Jerry Tillery on Thursday. Tillery also missed the Week 9 win over the Atlanta Falcons due to a back injury, and the Bolts have decided to move on in his fourth NFL season. In seven games this year, he has just eight tackles (five solo), one sack and a forced fumble. Tillery is coming off his best season in 2021, when he had 51 tackles (24 solo), six tackles for loss, 14 QB hits and 4.5 sacks in 16 games. The 26-year-old pass-rusher from Notre Dame will look to find his way with a new team after recording just 10.5 sacks in 54 career games (29 starts) to this point in his career.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery with the No. 28 overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft. Tillery has a high football IQ and is extremely athletic. The Chargers needed help on both lines, so Tillery fills a big need. There is evidence that he can be a dominant football player, but he'll need to be coached up at the next level. He has versatility and can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme. The Bolts need Tillery's big body to clog up lanes and rush the passer.
Jerry Tillery
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