Chargers Starting Linebacker Opts to Sign With Division Rival in Free Agency

Free agency still going strong !

The Los Angeles Chargers lose out on one of their former linebackers in free agency Friday as it was announced that Drue Tranquill agreed to a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The contract is wroth up to $5 million dollars and was first reported by the NFL's Jordan Schultz.

Sources: 1 year, up to $5M for Drue Tranquill to the #Chiefs, who I’m told chose Kansas City over five other suitors. https://t.co/NjlxDZVhlk

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2023

"FA LB Drue Tranquill is signing a one-tear deal with the #Chiefs, sources tell @theScore"

".Sources: 1 year, up to $5M for Drue Tranquill to the #Chiefs, who I’m told chose Kansas City over five other suitors."

Tranquill played with the Chargers since 2019 and had his most productive year in 2022. He suited up for 17 games and recorded 144 tackles with 5.5 sacks.

The 27-year-old had garnered quite the interest once he became available but seeing that the Chiefs have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL during recent history had to make them the most appealing franchise. They are coming off of their second Super Bowl win since 2019 and are home to Patrick Mahomes.

Great things happen when #Chargers LB Drue Tranquill is on the field.

Despite all of the injuries he's sustained dating back to college, Tranquill competes at a high level with the athleticism, instincts and toughness to make plays vs. the run and in coverage. pic.twitter.com/rQ7CtOLtQH

— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) September 27, 2021

Fans immediately questioned why the front office wouldn't bring such a young player with potential like himself but they are in a midst of a tough cap situation and will likely look to the rest of the market or the draft to fill his role and get his money.

It is worth noting that Tranquill has quite the injury history and that could be a big reason too as to why LA let him walk. Before even making it to the NFL, he tore his ACL multiple times and was labeled injury-prone by many. He was able to overcome those claims and have a successful collegiate career.

Tranquill will now enter a new chapter in his career with the Chiefs and the Chargers will face off against him for years to come.