Despite spending the last two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, it looks like there might be a possibility that linebacker Drue Tranquill could be on the trade block. According to a report, Tranquill reportedly needs to continue on an upward trend if he wants to re-sign a new contract with the team. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame product was named the backup middle linebacker behind Nick Bolton during his first year in Kansas City. However, due to an injury, Tranquill got the chance to start and has been a reliable tackler for this pass-rushing unit.
The linebacker didn’t earn another deal this offseason, so this means he may have to work harder. Even though he put a high total of 94 tackles last season, there’s still a lot of room for improvement for Tranquill. It’s unlikely the Chiefs will trade him at all, being that he’s been a quality player for the past two seasons, so there’s no reason to. However, it all depends on the situation, as the Chiefs brought linebacker Joshua Uche to salvage their unit last season, but that didn’t last, as he wasn’t able to get much out of anything. Since the team traded for Uche last year, it could be proof that the Chiefs are looking for other answers outside of him.
It’s not a guarantee, but for the sake of this article, here are four teams that might offer the Chiefs some draft capital for Tranquill, who is in his contract year.
Could Former Charger Drue Tranquill Be On The Trade Block? – 4 Potential Next Teams
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
After a disastrous offseason due to quarterback Derek Carr’s departure, it looks like the Saints will need to lean on the defense to win most of their football games. The Saints have improved their trenches unit, trading for Davon Godchaux, but have been reluctant to upgrade the pass-rush unit. Even though they’re bringing back Chase Young, they must find a reliable replacement for Willie Gay Jr., who left this free agency. Tranquill could reunite with Justin Reid in New Orleans and be a perfect fit in the Saints’ depleted cap space for just one year.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are not looking to upgrade the pass-rushing unit, but it’s hard to imagine that they won’t. They arguably lost their best run defensive athletic freak in Dante Fowler Jr. to the Cowboys, so they should be looking for an immediate answer. Between Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, they’re great, but there could be an upgrade on the other side of the defense since Deatrich Wise Jr. and Dominique Hampton aren’t going to give them what they want. Tranquill is aging, but it wouldn’t matter for the Commanders as they’re trying to build a high-caliber championship defense, and the linebacker could represent that alongside Wagner.
Los Angeles Chargers
This is the most obvious fit for Tranquill. The Chiefs will never trade within the AFC, but it’s hard to ignore the fit that he would have if he decides to leave in free agency for another team. After releasing Joey Bosa, the Chargers are still in the hunt for an opposing threat to Khalil Mack, and Tranquill could fit that role.
Carolina Panthers
After two offseasons of upgrading the offense, there is new life for the Carolina Panthers defense. Free Agent Christian Rozeboom shows some potential, but they can’t ignore finding a replacement after releasing Jadeveon Clowney. Tranquill could fortify this defense that contains Rozeboom, Josey Jewell, Derrick Brown and former Chief Tershawn Wharton.
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